Economists of Biodiversity and Ecosystems – junior researchers

CMCC Position cod. 12812

Economists of Biodiversity and Ecosystems – junior researchers

Deadline : March 31, 2026

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The CMCC Foundation – Centro Euro‑Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici invites applications for two junior researchers specializing in biodiversity economics to join its interdisciplinary research team.

We encourage applications from junior international scholars working on biodiversity valuation, ecosystem services, and nature‑based solutions to climate change. Strong expertise in quantitative methods applied to biodiversity economics, ecological economics, or related environmental disciplines is essential.

Successful candidates will join an international and interdisciplinary team based in Milan or Venice, Italy, contributing to the strengthening of biodiversity economics research and the development of innovative research lines addressing the biodiversity crisis and its interactions with climate change and society.

ABOUT US

CMCC Foundation is a cross‑cutting scientific research center on climate change and its interactions with the environment, society, the world of business, and policymakers. Our work aims to stimulate sustainable growth, protect the environment, and develop strategies for the adaptation and mitigation of climate change.

CMCC's core objective is to conduct cutting‑edge science, train the next generation of scientists at both national and international levels, and be a beacon for climate modelling.

CMCC pursues fundamental and applied science with utmost scientific integrity, prioritizing data‑driven science and providing data, information, and research results that can support informed public debate and decision‑making processes. To achieve climate research objectives at the highest international standards, we invest in training all our talents, and strive to create a workplace where everyone can excel.

At CMCC you will find a strong, professional environment. Join an inclusive community that values diversity, where every voice is heard and respected. Help foster a culture of innovation and societal change, where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.

Over the last decade, CMCC has experienced extraordinary growth. We are now embarking on a new chapter of our journey that will further boost CMCC’s global position in climate change research…Together!

ROLE

The successful candidates will work within the European Institute on Economics and the Environment (EIEE), one of the three CMCC Institutes. EIEE stands at the intersection of environment and economics, evaluating sustainable and socially inclusive strategies to combat climate change and other major environmental challenges.

EIEE is committed to improving environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial socio‑economic research and policy engagement. It serves as a central hub for research insights and policy solutions within Europe and internationally.

Bioeconomy is one of the 10 topics of EIEE, and we are in the process of strengthening it.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Biodiversity–climate–economy integrated assessment modelling

Economic impacts of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation

Nature‑based solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation

Economic valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services

Mainstreaming biodiversity into economic decision‑making and policy design

Trade‑offs and synergies between biodiversity conservation and development objectives

Economic instruments for biodiversity conservation (e.g. payments for ecosystem services, biodiversity credits, conservation finance)

Land‑use change, agricultural transitions, and biodiversity impacts

Corporate natural capital accounting and nature‑related financial risk assessment

Selected candidates will integrate their expertise with the Institute’s analytical and modeling capacity. The Institute hosts established computational models of economic, environmental, and climate systems and promotes a plurality of methodological and disciplinary approaches, including advanced statistical, econometric, and growing machine‑learning capabilities.

Selected candidates are expected to contribute actively to research activities, advance biodiversity assessment methodologies, and participate in fundraising efforts. They will work on internally and externally funded research projects and may contribute to the coordination of scientific activities and the supervision of PhD students, depending on seniority.

REQUIREMENTS

We are seeking junior researchers with expertise in one or more of the following areas :

Biodiversity modelling, species distribution models, and ecosystem services assessment

Economic valuation techniques (stated and revealed preference methods, benefit transfer)

Computational modelling using economic frameworks (e.g. GAMS, Julia, JuMP)

Integrated assessment modelling linking biodiversity, climate, and economic systems

Geospatial analysis and remote sensing for biodiversity monitoring

Natural capital accounting and ecosystem accounting frameworks

Environmental econometrics and causal inference methods applied to biodiversity impacts

Agent‑based modelling of human–nature interactions

Conservation finance and economic instruments for biodiversity conservation

Additional requirements include :

PhD in environmental economics, ecological economics, biodiversity science, conservation biology, applied mathematics, or related fields

Fluency in English (Italian not required), with strong writing and presentation skills

Willingness to travel for project meetings and conferences

Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment

Interest or experience in research project development, particularly within EU‑funded programmes

DURATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The positions will be based in Milan or Venice CMCC Office.

The appointment period will be initially for 24 months and renewable pending a positive evaluation.

Contract and gross annual salary will be based on qualifications and working experience competitive with major research centres in Europe.

Flexible working time as per internal policies.

Welfare package for minimum 12 month contract.

Support during the immigration process, if needed.

Tax benefits for individuals relocating to Italy : Individuals of any nationality who move their residence to Italy may be eligible for substantial income tax reductions under the “Rientro dei Cervelli” (Return of Brains) scheme, available for up to five years.

Collaborative environment : Work with global experts in climate, energy, and economic modelling

Interviews will begin immediately after the opening of the job call and will continue until the positions are filled.

PROTECTED CATEGORY

Belonging to legally protected categories (e.g., ex L. 68 / 99) will constitute a preferential condition.

Some fiscal benefits could be applied for repatriated workers or foreign researchers / professors, having the requirements defined by Dlgs 147 / 2015 (for repatriates) or Dl 78 / 2010 (for foreigners).

CMCC is an equal‑opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, family status, and other legally protected characteristics. Please omit from your CV any data you or we might consider discriminatory.

This job announcement is an invitation to express interest in the above‑mentioned CMCC Position.

By submitting their application, candidates confirm that they have read, understood, and accepted the CMCC Personnel Recruitment Rules, available on the Fondazione Trasparente webpage, as well as the Privacy Notice regarding the processing of personal data, accessible at the following link.

We will keep your information on file for up to 1 year.

Applicants responding to this posting declare that they have read, understood and agreed to the “Official Rule for the CMCC Personnel recruitment”.

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