In line with WWTF’s call criteria emphasising fundamental scientific advancement and the integration of data-driven, computational, and theory-based approaches, Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU – Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien) invites proposals that advance research on the political feasibility, economic implications, and geopolitical dynamics of ambitious decarbonisation policies and implementation mechanisms such as coalition-based international climate agreements, with particular attention to the redistributive dimensions of such climate policy.

Researchers across WU study social and ecological transformations from diverse interdisciplinary perspectives. To build up a new and innovative research group in the broad fields of Climate Economics, Political Behaviour, and Global Policy Design, we invite high-potential early-career researchers (up to eight years post-PhD) to submit a proposal to the Vienna Research Group (VRG) call of the Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF).

In case of a successful VRG application, we offer:

• The opportunity to establish your own independent research group in an excellent and supportive environment, accompanied by a generous funding package from WWTF

• A long-term, tenure-track perspective for candidates successful in this call

• The possibility of promotion to Full Professor after successful completion of the VRG period and positive career evaluations.

• The opportunity to shape and further develop WU’s teaching and research agenda in climate economics, public economics, political economy, sustainability, and global governance

• A modern campus with state-of-the-art research infrastructure in one of the world’s most liveable cities.

The successful candidate is expected to propose a project that combines economic, behavioural, and political analysis, advanced empirical and survey methods, and quantitative climate–energy–economy modelling. WU is particularly interested in proposals that study the global political feasibility, economic consequences, and geopolitical implications of ambitious, internationally coordinated climate policies such as climate coalitions. 

A project suitable for this position may include the following components:

- Political feasibility and public attitudes toward globally redistributive climate policy: Building upon recent evidence that public support for global redistribution is stronger than commonly assumed, this component investigates the implementability, drivers, and limits of support for policies that involve substantial international transfers.

- Economic and geopolitical modelling of a climate coalition implementing ambitious decarbonisation policies: This component studies the economic consequences of an alliance of countries adopting ambitious climate policy, focusing on macroeconomic effects, energy prices, and strategic interactions.

The overarching scientific objective of such a project is to provide a comprehensive, multi method assessment of ambitious decarbonisation policies and implementation mechanisms such as coalition-based international climate agreements, with particular attention to the redistributive dimensions of such climate policy.

As a potential candidate, you should have the following qualifications:

• A doctoral degree/PhD and 2–8 years of post-doctoral experience (extensions possible for care duties). 

• Employment at a foreign research institution for at least two of the last three years (WWTF requirement).

• An excellent publication record in one of the following areas: climate and environmental economics; political economy or behavioural research; and a strong methodological expertise in survey design, energy or integrated assessment modelling, and computational approaches

• Experience (commensurate with academic age) in conducting and supervising research in teams

• A clear vision for building an independent, interdisciplinary research group at WU

Please submit your application in English to forschungsservice@wu.ac.at no later than January 14th, 2026.

Required documents:

• Academic CV

• List of publications and research projects

• Research statement & sketch of a proposal for a WWTF Vienna Research Group, also describing your future research plans, in particular for the research group

• Letter of support from a potential host institute at WU

• Teaching statement explaining your teaching and supervision concept

Selected candidates will subsequently prepare a full proposal together with their WU host institute for submission to WWTF.