The Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3) together with the Basque Science Foundation Ikerbasque invites applications for a senior researcher to serve as BC3’s E3S (Energy–Economy–Environment–Society) Modelling Leader. We are seeking an internationally recognised scientist with strong hands-on expertise in modelling and database development, and a demonstrated capacity to translate quantitative research into evidence that informs decision-making at local, regional, national, European and international levels.
BC3 is an international and interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to advancing knowledge on climate change and supporting the transition towards a sustainable and climate-resilient society. The centre combines expertise across economics, climate science, ecology, adaptation, land use, food systems, integrated modelling and policy analysis.
BC3 seeks to consolidate a centre-wide E3S modelling and data capability connecting energy, economy, environment and society. The scientific scope includes the development of integrated databases and data infrastructures; Integrated Assessment Models (IAM); energy–economy–environment macroeconomic models; microsimulation and distributional models; Input–Output (IO) and Multi-Regional Input–Output (MRIO) models; climate and energy policy evaluation; employment and fiscal impacts; international trade and global value chains; environmental footprints and resource use; health and well-being co-benefits; and interactions between decarbonisation and wider sustainable-development objectives.
The position is intended for an established scientist with an excellent international research record who will provide scientific and technical leadership for E3S modelling and associated database development across BC3. The successful candidate will be expected to remain actively engaged in model and database development and application, shape a long-term modelling and data research agenda, connect modelling and data capabilities across research areas, and strengthen BC3’s international position in quantitative climate-policy assessment. A defining dimension of the role is the ability to work with public institutions, international organisations, civil society and other stakeholders so that modelling results and data products can contribute directly to policy design, evaluation and decision-making.
Particular value will be placed on methodological pluralism, transparent and reproducible modelling and database development, integration across approaches, datasets and scales, and demonstrated ability to move from scientific analysis to robust and actionable decision support.
Desired background and competences
- PhD in Economics (Environmental, Ecological, Climate or Energy Economics) or a closely related field, with a strong background in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences.
- The applicants must have their PhD completed before January 2010.
- Outstanding international research record, including a strong publication and citation record in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
- Recognised expertise in quantitative analysis of climate, energy, economic, environmental and societal systems, using several relevant modelling families, including IAM, energy–economy–environment macroeconomic models, microsimulation and distributional models, and Input–Output (IO/MRIO) models, together with experience in the development of integrated economic, energy, environmental and/or societal databases.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience in the development, integration, application and scientific leadership of complex models and databases, including data architectures or analytical infrastructures, with a substantial personal contribution to modelling and data-development research.
- Proven scientific leadership, including the ability to set methodological direction, coordinate multidisciplinary modelling teams, and supervise and mentor early-career scientists.
- Strong record of attracting competitive funding and leading and coordinating national and international research projects and proposals.
- A strong and demonstrable record of policy and societal impact, including sustained engagement with policymakers, public administrations, international organisations, civil-society organisations and/or industry, and evidence that modelling and research outputs have informed policy design, assessment or decision-making at different governance levels.
- Excellent communication, organisational and collaborative skills, and very good command of English. Knowledge of Spanish and/or Basque will be considered useful but is not compulsory.
Key responsibilities
- Define and implement BC3’s scientific strategy for E3S modelling and associated database development, in coordination with the Scientific Director and relevant research teams and research lines.
- Provide scientific and technical leadership for BC3’s modelling and data community, remaining actively engaged in the development, integration, validation and application of models and databases.
- Develop an ambitious and internationally visible E3S modelling programme, including models, databases and analytical tools with long-term scientific and policy value.
- Strengthen and connect modelling and data capabilities spanning IAM, energy–economy–environment macroeconomic models, microsimulation and distributional models, and IO/MRIO models, promoting interoperability between models and databases, methodological innovation and robust data pipelines.
- Lead the development, integration, documentation and maintenance of high-quality databases and data infrastructures to support modelling, policy assessment and interdisciplinary research across BC3.
- Lead high-quality scientific publications, major collaborative proposals and competitive funding applications at international, European, national and regional levels.
- Mentor researchers and contribute to recruitment, supervision, career development and the consolidation of a strong scientific culture in quantitative modelling.
- Build strategic collaborations with leading research institutions and sustained relationships with policymakers, public administrations, international organisations, civil-society organisations and other stakeholders, ensuring that research questions and modelling outputs remain relevant to real decision-making needs.
- Represent BC3’s E3S modelling activities in relevant scientific and policy fora and contribute to the centre’s broader scientific strategy and institutional development.
Terms of contract
- Permanent full-time Senior position based at BC3 in the Basque Country, Spain.
- Applications will be considered for a permanent Ikerbasque Professor or Ikerbasque Associate Professor position, based on the candidate´s research record and leadership experience.
- Envisaged starting date: 01/01/2027
- BC3 provides an international research environment and institutional support for the development of a stable, externally funded and high-impact modelling and data programme with strong links to policy and decision-making.
Salary
competitive and reflecting the candidate’s qualifications, experience and level of seniority, in accordance with BC3’s salary framework.
Application procedure:
- Interested candidates should fill the form below and upload a single PDF containing:
- CV
- Letter of interest, including your research interest.
- At least 3 recommendation letters. Both academic references and letters evidencing impact beyond academia will be valued. In particular, the committee welcomes letters from public administrations, international organisations, civil-society organisations or industry that can document the candidate’s contribution to policy, decision-making or societal impact. Additional references may be requested during the evaluation.
- Statement of past experience (2–3 pages), highlighting the candidate’s main results and demonstrating their relevance and fit to the position.
- Only researchers with a strong record of scientific research and substantive contributions to modelling and database development will be considered. Women candidates are especially welcome.
Location
Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3), Leioa, Spain.
Additional information:
As an HR Excellence awarded institution, BC3 is committed to conciliating research-academic requirements and family duties. BC3 is particularly concerned with creating equal opportunities for people independently of gender, culture, and race. Anyone with relevant qualifications is therefore strongly encouraged to apply for the position.
Deadline
30 October 2026
Selection process
Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee on the basis of scientific excellence and international recognition; depth of technical expertise in modelling and database development; fit with the E3S scientific scope of the position; scientific leadership and team-development experience; capacity to attract competitive funding; policy and societal impact; and capacity to develop international and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Particular weight will be given to candidates who combine an excellent publication record and recognised modelling and database contributions with demonstrated ability to translate quantitative research and data products into evidence used in policy and decision-making.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to present their scientific vision and proposed strategy for E3S modelling and data development at BC3.
BC3 and Ikerbasque are committed to open, transparent and merit-based recruitment and to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion. The position will only be filled if a suitably qualified candidate is identified.
Informal enquiries can be made to people@bc3research.org noting in the subject of the message “E3S MODELLING LEADER”.
Please note that only applications sent through the form included at the bottom of the BC3 web page will be considered (https://info.bc3research.org/job-offers/)
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