12715 - Junior scientist or postdoctoral researcher in water-energy systems and decision-making under uncertainty

Milano, Italy

Full Time

European Institute on Economics and the Environment (EIEE)

Mid Level

CMCC Position cod. 12715
Junior scientist or postdoctoral researcher in water-energy systems and decision-making under uncertainty
Deadline: May 31th, 2025

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking 2 motivated and talented Junior Scientists or early Postdoctoral Researchers to join our dynamic team in the field of environmental systems analysis, with a special focus on the water-energy nexus, robust decision-making, and uncertainty-aware modeling. The position is flexible in seniority and tailored to candidates with strong analytical backgrounds and a passion for applied research with real-world policy impact.
The selected candidates will contribute to the development and application of multi-scale models of water and energy systems, with the aim of assessing how climate variability, socio-economic evolution, and global policy scenarios influence sustainable infrastructure planning - particularly in data-scarce, rapidly evolving contexts like the Global South.
A key aspect of this role will be the integration of robust decision-making (RDM) frameworks and decision-making under deep uncertainty (DMDU), helping to design resilient strategies that perform well across a wide range of plausible futures. This includes both methodological development and applied case studies addressing real policy challenges at the intersection of climate, resource, and energy systems.
We are especially interested in candidates who can explore synergies across sectors - energy, water, food, and land - and help design integrative tools for systems-level planning.

ABOUT US
CMCC Foundation is a cross-cutting scientific research center on climate change and its interactions with the environment, society, the world of business, and policymakers. Our work aims to stimulate sustainable growth, protect the environment, and develop strategies for the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. CMCC's core objective is to conduct cutting-edge science, to train the next generation of scientists at both national and international levels, and to be a beacon for climate modelling.

The European Institute in Economics and the Environment (EIEE) is one of the three institutes of CMCC. It was established in 2018 in a trans-Atlantic partnership with Resources for the Future (RFF). It is one of the leading research centers on climate economics, featuring a diverse and international team of economists and natural scientists.

CMCC pursues fundamental and applied science with utmost scientific integrity, prioritizing data-driven science and providing data, information, and research results that can support informed public debate and decision-making processes. To achieve climate research objectives at the highest international standards, we invest in training all our talents, and strive to create a workplace where everyone can excel.

At CMCC you will find a strong, professional environment. Join an inclusive community that values diversity, where every voice is heard and respected. Help foster a culture of innovation and societal change, where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.

Over the last decade, CMCC has experienced extraordinary growth. We are now embarking on a new chapter of our journey that will further boost CMCC’s global position in climate change research…Together!

To learn more about this opportunity and submit your application, please refer to the following:

ROLE

The researcher(s) will work under the supervision of the Technologies for Climate Transition (TCT) Division Director and contribute to the development of innovative methods and applications in water and energy systems analysis, with particular emphasis on multi-scale modeling, optimization, and decision-making under deep uncertainty. The role includes supporting the design and implementation of integrated models that reflect the complex interlinkages between water, energy, and climate systems, especially in relation to sustainable infrastructure development in the Global South.
Special focus will be given to the water-energy nexus, and to the application of robust decision-making (RDM) frameworks aimed at enhancing system resilience under climate, socio-economic, and technological uncertainties. This position represents a valuable opportunity to contribute to the TCT Division’s mission of providing evidence-based, cross-sectoral solutions for future-proof planning of critical infrastructure in uncertain and dynamic environments.

TCT is the third, new division of the European Institute on Economics and the Environment (EIEE). The candidate will support the development of the division within the overall strategy of the institute, leveraging the relationship with EIEE.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As part of the TCT Division, the researcher(s) will:

Develop and apply modeling tools that capture the interdependencies between water and energy systems, across spatial and temporal scales.
Integrate uncertainty quantification and robust optimization techniques into system design and policy analysis.
Support applied research projects focused on climate-resilient infrastructure in regions facing profound uncertainty, limited data, or institutional constraints.
Collaborate in interdisciplinary teams and co-develop actionable insights with stakeholders and policy institutions.
Contribute to proposal writing and fundraising activities.
Communicate results through reports, academic publications, and presentations.
Mentor interns or junior team members, contributing to team capacity building.

Contribute to the objectives of the EIEE institute and to its methodological suite

REQUIREMENTS

PhD in Energy or Environmental or Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or equivalent subjects.
Very good knowledge of the English language.
Accuracy and excellent analytical skills.
Excellent programming skill in c++ and/or python
Experience with state-of-the-art energy systems modelling

DURATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The position will be based in Milan CMCC office.
The appointment period will be initially 12 months, renewable pending a positive evaluation. Tenure can be granted from 2 to 4 years after being appointed as a junior researcher.
Contract and gross salary will be based on qualifications and working experience and competitive with major research centers in Europe.
Welfare package, for minimum 12 months contract.
Flexible working time as per internal policies.
Support during the immigration process, if needed.
Please note that this opportunity will be issued both internally and externally.
Interviews will begin one month after the opening of the job call and will continue until the position is filled.

PROTECTED CATEGORY
Belonging to legally protected categories (ex L. 68/99) will constitute a preferential condition.
Some fiscal benefits could be applied for repatriated workers or foreign researchers/professors, having the requirements defined by Dlgs 147/2015 (for repatriates) or Dl 78/2010 (for foreigners).
CMCC is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status, and other legally protected characteristics. Please omit from your CV any data you or we might consider discriminatory.
This job announcement is an invitation to express interest in the above-mentioned CMCC Position.

Applicants responding to this posting declare that they have read, understood and agreed to the “Official Rule for the CMCC Personnel recruitment".

We will keep your information on file for up to 1 year.

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12715 - Junior scientist or postdoctoral researcher in water-energy systems and decision-making under uncertainty

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