Cluster SIWA - IASS Potsdam

Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies e.V.
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Several Positions in Atmospheric Sustainability Research
The Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies e.V. (IASS) is an international, interdisciplinary
centre of excellence located in Potsdam, financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research
and the Federal State of Brandenburg, devoted to promoting science and research for global
sustainability, particularly in the areas of climate change, the earth system and the development of
new technologies and social pathways to sustainability.
The new Cluster “SIWA” (Sustainable Interactions With the Atmosphere, Director PD Dr. Mark
Lawrence) is conducting trans-disciplinary research on ways to reduce the impacts of mankind on the
atmosphere. SIWA joins the two existing Clusters at the IASS: Global Contract for Sustainability
(GCS), led by Prof. Klaus Töpfer (former head of UNEP and German Environmental Minister), and
Earth, Energy and the Environment (E 3 ), led by Prof. Carlo Rubbia (Nobel Laureate in Physics, former
director general of CERN).
The SIWA Cluster is initially focusing on two key, distinct topics in the global debate over approaches
to rapidly counteract climate change:
Air pollution and climate change in the age of urbanization: what co-benefits for climate,
health, agriculture, ecosystems, tourism and economics are expected from targeted, sectorbased
reductions of short lived climate forcers (SLCFs), in particular ozone, methane, and
black carbon How can we translate this information into social and political action to reduce
SLCFs in the atmosphere, especially taking advantage of the window of opportunity presented
worldwide by rapid, ongoing urbanization
Climate engineering: to what extent is humankind capable of exerting a controllable, targeted
influence on the climate What risks would be associated with attempting to do so in various
ways How can climate engineering research and possible implementation be regulated
Teams are now being set up in the SIWA cluster to investigate these issues. The first topic (SLCFs)
will initially consist of two small core project teams focusing individually on global and regional
numerical modeling of i) gases (O 3 and CH 4 ) and ii) absorbing aerosols (BC), along with international
fellows focusing on case studies such as regional focus investigations, including possible links to field
campaigns and social aspects such as emissions scenarios and implementation pathways. The second
topic (climate engineering) will initially also consist of two small core project teams, in this case
focusing individually on CDR (carbon dioxide removal) and SRM (solar radiation management); around
these we are building up a trans-disciplinary “microcosm”, with a mix of fellows focusing on the
aspects of economics, ethics, psychology, public perception, political science and international law (in
the case of junior researchers in these areas, they will be jointly advised by European experts who are
specializing in the relevant disciplines, with whom we have already established close contacts).

Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies e.V.
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Most of the positions are already filled, but the IASS has a concept of hosting many shorter-term
projects, so various openings will regularly become available. Whether you are an academic or nonacademic
professional, if you have innovative ideas and believe you could contribute strongly and
creatively to the program of the SIWA cluster, we would welcome your application. There is a broad
mix of researchers, and based on the applications will be selected and employed at various levels,
including:
PhD candidates (including students from the various disciplines noted for the climate
engineering research);
Postoctoral researchers;
Project Team leaders;
Senior Fellows, on sabbatical or similar, for stays normally in the range of 3 months to 2
years.
The IASS has an excellent international fellowship (tax-free stipend) program to allow a great degree
of flexibility and freedom to researchers to carry out work within this environment. For key core
positions (e.g., numerical model implementation and support, project team leaders, etc.), the IASS
offers contracts within the public service federal employment system (TVöD Bund, level E13 or E14,
commensurate with experience and level of responsibility).
Are you interested in joining a dedicated, exciting team in a strongly trans-disciplinary environment
Then please send us an application, including a statement of scientific background, interests and
plans, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and names of 2-3 references, either in hard copy or by
e-mail to:
IASS, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies e.V.
c/o Dr. Mark Lawrence
Berliner Str. 130
14467 Potsdam
E-Mail: iris.schuetze@iass-potsdam.de
Positions will be filled as applications arrive and appropriate candidates are identified, and applications
will be accepted until this general advertisement is no longer posted on the IASS website
(http://www.iass-potsdam.de). The IASS particularly encourages applications from female
researchers; handicapped applicants will be given preference in case of equal qualifications.
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