Economic Analyst/Land Use Modeller at European Commission Joint Research Centre (Spain)
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) provides independent, evidence-based knowledge and science, supporting EU policies to positively impact society.
The current vacancy is with Unit JRC.D.4 “Economics of Agriculture” of Directorate JRC.D “Sustainable Resources”. Unit JRC.D.4's mission is to provide socioeconomic-environmental scientific support to EU policymakers in assessing the development of the agri-food sector and the transition to sustainable food systems, including rural development, the circular economy, food security, trade and technological innovation in the EU and globally, with a special focus on Africa. The Unit focuses on the environmental, social and economic aspects related to the uptake of technologies in agriculture for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and for productivity in relation to the European Green Deal. This support is provided with advanced economic modelling tools, statistical methods, easy data access, international scientific partnerships and capacity building.
The work will consist in building a new land use modelling able to enhance the current land use modelling capacity of the Unit when performing prospective analysis of EU agricultural markets and policies.
WE OFFER
The JRC offers a dynamic multicultural work environment and the opportunity to gain valuable competences in the analysis of EU policies. The work will take place in a young and dynamic team, including online collaboration and occasional travelling. The remuneration is attractive and working conditions include a comprehensive welfare package and broad insurance coverage.
Please see also Working at the Commission – conditions and environment (europa.eu)
WE PROPOSE
The Unit offers a position for an experienced researcher to contribute to the analysis of European land use and land use change. The jobholder will
contribute to the development of the new Terrestrial Ecosystems and Land use modelling Architecture (TELMA), including writing programming code, develop machine learning models, gathering data and applying state of the art validation tools;
analyse and predict the impacts of land use changes on agricultural, environmental and trade policies by applying the above mentioned model and other quantitative methods;
conceptualise, manage and monitor research projects; this includes the preparation of research tenders, the evaluation of project developments and the publication of research findings;
contribute to drafting scientific publications, policy reports and summaries for policy makers;
participate in large-scale international projects (e.g. Horizon Europe) and liaise with stakeholders.
WE LOOK FOR
We are looking for a researcher able to contribute to the development of a new land use modelling system to be used in the analysis of EU agri-environmental and climate policies. The selected ideal candidate should have:
a Ph.D. in Geospatial Data science, Applied Mathematics, Environmental Science, Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Physics, Statistics or related fields, or a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience after university studies of at least 3 years attested by a diploma (essential);
Experience processing large spatial data and spatial databases (essential);
Experience in the application of AI machine learning, statistical modelling and data analysis and visualizations (essential);
Strong knowledge of suitable programming (experience with Python and R, bash script, and code repos) (essential);
Experience with land use modelling (essential);
Experience in MLOps and cloud computing is an advantage;
good analytical skills and advanced experience in agricultural, environmental, climate change, or related policy analysis (desirable);
good understanding of the trade-offs between the economic, environmental and social dimensions of land use change (desirable);
the ability to manage and monitor research projects, good communication skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural and interdisciplinary environment (desirable);
a very good level of written and spoken English (C1 level) and knowledge of at least one other EU language (compulsory)
HOW TO APPLY
If you are already on a valid CAST FG IV reserve list, or you have already applied to one of the calls below, you can directly submit your application at JRC Recruitment Portal. If not, before applying to this position, you must register for one of the two following databases:
the Call for Expressions of Interest | EU Careers (europa.eu) (CAST Permanent FG IV), which is used by a wide range of organisations (institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the European Union), or
the specialised call for researchers (JRC Call COM/1/2015/GFIV – Research), which is mainly used by the JRC.
Note that each of the calls above has different minimum eligibility requirements and different selection tests.
The JRC cultivates a workplace based on respect for other people and the environment, and embraces non-discriminatory practices and equality of opportunity. In case of equal merit, preference will be given to the gender in minority.
Link to job posting: https://recruitment.jrc.ec.europa.eu/vacancy/1858