Research Assistant for BlueAdapt project: Granularity of cognitive maps
The Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3) offers a Research Assistant Position within the Horizon Europe project BlueAdapt (GA 101057764 funded by HORIZON-HLTH-2021-ENVHLTH-02-03 call).
Bacterial and viral pathogens in coastal waters pose threats to health for a number of different agents – including occupational and recreational risks for activities in and around coasts. Under conditions of climate change, these risks are likely to increase.
In this context, BlueAdapt attempts to provide an evidence base for innovation and action around coastal pathogens, by bringing together an interdisciplinary team of biologists, climate scientists, economists, epidemiologists and public health experts to investigate and quantify the future health risks associated with selected coastal pathogens, and identify adaptation measures.
To support BC3’s current work on knowledge integration we are seeking a research assistant in the areas of simulation of fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM). We are especially interested in techniques that allow us to analyse maps at different levels of aggregation. We aim to understand sensitivity of simulations of adaptation scenarios as a function of map granularity.
We are offering an excellent research environment and close cooperation with a dynamic team and a network of international collaborators within BlueAdapt Project.
The selected person will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Marc Neumann.
Job description:
The research assistant will support the PI and wider team on:
- State-of-the-art FCM (Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping) network analysis, as well as broader applications of participatory complex systems mapping exercises.
- Study of how model granularity (level of aggregation) impacts simulations of adaptation interventions
- Advancement of knowledge integration techniques for climate adaptation planning
- Additional support to project coordination and management activities as required
Main requirements / skills
- The successful candidate should hold a Master’s degree in environmental sciences or -engineering or similar.
- Be familiar with climate adaptation and the use of mental models such as cognitive maps and demonstrate good programming skills in R or Python for data analysis and visualization.
- Good oral and written communication skills, interpersonal and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural team.
- Fluency in English is required and a working level of Spanish.
Benefits and work environment
- Interdisciplinary and inspiring work environment.
- Quiet and spacious workspaces.
- Possibility of participating in internal training and activities of the centre.
- 35-hour work calendar.
- 30 days of vacation per year.
Term of contract
The position starts in January or February 2026 until 30 September 2026.
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Salary
The position will carry competitive salary, matching the academic and professional profile of the applicant, and excellent work conditions.
Location
Basque Centre for Climate Change, Leioa, Spain.
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.
Application procedure:
Fill the form below and upload one PDF document with the following information:
- One- page Motivation letter.
- Curriculum Vitae (including contact details of two referees).
Deadline
7 December 2025
Informal enquiries can be made to Dr.Marc Neumann (marc.neumann@bc3research.org) noting in the subject of the message “Research Assistant position in BlueAdapt”
Please consider 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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GA 101057764, funded by HORIZON-HLTH-2021-ENVHLTH-02-03
