Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) forms part of the portfolio of options to mitigate climate change. Scenarios from Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) support international decision-making on climate policy. It is, therefore, important that these scenarios well represent the possibilities and limitations of CDR.

Your job
There are various Carbon dioxide Removal (CDR) options, including bio-energy-with-carbon-capture-and-storage, afforestation and reforestation, biochar, direct air capture and ocean alkalinization. Virtually all scenarios developed using integrated assessment models (IAMs) that are consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement include some form of CDR. At the same time, there is a clear debate on the use of CDR – in relation to the phase out of fossil fuels, the timing of climate policy and possible sustainable development consequences. A good representation of CDR options, in terms of potential, costs and limitations is therefore critically important.

The aim of this research position is to further develop the IMAGE integrated assessment model regarding the representation of CDR. The IMAGE integrated assessment model is used to describe future energy and land use systems in relation to sustainable development problems. The work will be done as part of a project led by Carbon Direct – a research institute interested in science-based decisions regarding CDR. In the work, we aim to collaborate as well with researchers that form part of the UPTAKE project sponsored by the European Commission.

You are expected to collaborate with researchers in the IMAGE team, but also with researchers at Carbon Direct and other research institutes. You will work as a member of the IMAGE research group at Utrecht University (in collaboration with PBL Netherlands Environmental Agency), under the guidance of Dr Vassilis Daioglou and Prof dr Detlef van Vuuren.

In this position you will:

• Examine the current representation of CDR options in the IMAGE model and identify ways to improve it;
• Assess available information regarding the costs and potential of CDR options;
• Enhance the IMAGE model by improving the parameterization and representation of different CDR measures;
• Publish research findings in scientific journals;
• Communicate the findings with our consortium partners;
• Collaborate with other European institutes and within the IMAGE integrated assessment team.

This project may be a fit for you if you have:

• a passion for quantitative, integrated assessment research and are enthusiastic about making your contribution;
• interest in the role of CDR options and their interaction with climate and other sustainability goals;
• a collaborative attitude and good command of spoken and written English, enabling you to contribute to effective cooperation with colleagues and collaboration partners in the research project;
• preferably, a PhD degree in environmental sciences, environmental economics, or a related discipline;
• familiarity with modeling, preferably using Python;
• the ability to present your work to colleagues.

We offer:

• a position for 18 months;
• a working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3.226 and €5.090 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

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