12790 - Early career post graduate researchers
CMCC Position cod. 12790
Early career post graduate researchers - Civil, Environmental and Geo Engineer - Climate–Water–Energy Modelling and System Resilience
Deadline: November 15th, 2025
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking two highly motivated and talented recent early career post graduate researchers in Environmental Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Physics to contribute to the development and integration of the hydrological component within large-scale energy system models (e.g., PyPSA, MACRO).
The main objective is to make these models dynamic and sensitive to hydro-climatic variability, enabling a more realistic and time-varying representation of water availability, hydropower generation, and reservoir operations under both current and future climate conditions.
By embedding hydrological processes and feedbacks, the new modelling framework will provide a more accurate assessment of seasonal patterns, climate variability, and long-term change, and their implications for energy planning, system flexibility, and associated costs.
A further dimension of the work will involve considering the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with large dams and reservoirs, to better quantify their climate footprint and integrate these effects into the broader assessment of energy system decarbonization pathways.
The research will combine data analysis, process-based modelling, and software development, ultimately producing a robust, open-source module suitable for use in regional to continental-scale studies of energy transition and climate resilience.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface between hydrology, climate science, and energy systems, and to contribute to the next generation of climate- and sustainability-aware energy planning tools. The candidate will collaborate with an international, multidisciplinary research team and play an active role in CMCC’s mission to advance sustainable, equitable, and resilient low-carbon transitions through science-based innovation.
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 successful candidates will work within the European Institute on Economics and the Environment (EIEE), one of the three CMCC Institutes. EIEE stands at the intersection of environment and economics, evaluating sustainable and socially inclusive strategies to combat climate change and other major environmental challenges. EIEE is committed to improving environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial socio-economic research and policy engagement. EIEE is a central hub for research insights and policy solutions, within Europe and internationally.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Select a representative case study area and collect relevant hydrological and energy data.
- Develop a high-resolution benchmark for hydropower performance using operational and process-based models.
- Design and implement an autonomous reservoir operation and routing module, dependent on key system variables (e.g., reservoir level, inflow, storage).
- Integrate the new hydrological module into existing energy system models (PyPSA and MACRO).
- Perform extensive testing and validation of model performance and scalability.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to reports and publications.
- Contribute to the objectives of the EIEE Institute.
REQUIREMENTS
- MSc in Environmental Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field.
- Strong programming skills (Python required; experience with modelling frameworks is an asset).
- Background in hydrology, energy systems, or environmental modelling.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Preferred qualifications
- Knowledge of hydropower systems and/or reservoir operation models.
- Motivation to work in a multidisciplinary and international environment.
- Good communication skills.
DURATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- The positions will be based in Milan CMCC office.
- The appointment period will be initially 12 months, renewable pending a positive evaluation.
- Contract and gross annual salary will be based on qualifications and working experience 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.
- Tax benefits for individuals relocating to Italy: Individuals of any nationality who move their residence to Italy may be eligible for substantial income tax reductions under the “Rientro dei Cervelli” (Return of Brains) scheme, available for up to five years.
- Professional development: Support for international conference travel, training, and potential PhD enrollment
- Collaborative environment: Work with global experts in climate, energy, and economic modeling
- Please note that this opportunity will be issued both internally and externally.
- Interviews will begin 15 days 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.