Early Career Researcher in Climate Impact Assessment

CMCC Position cod. 12852

Early Career Researcher in Climate Impact Assessment

Deadline: October 25th, 2026

What we are looking for

Are you ready to join a dynamic and interdisciplinary team where your expertise in statistics and quantitative impact analysis can directly contribute to understanding how climate extremes affect people and infrastructure? We are looking for a highly motivated and well-organized Early Career Researcher in Climate Impact Assessment, with a background in statistics, applied mathematics, physics, environmental or climate sciences, engineering, epidemiology, or related fields, and a demonstrated interest in the quantitative assessment of the impacts of climate extremes and in the use of impact evidence to support adaptation and risk management in urban environment.

The ideal candidate is developing experience in the statistical modelling of the relationships between climate hazards and their impacts, with a particular focus on extreme heat and cold, heavy precipitation, and extreme wind, and on their consequences for human health, and infrastructure. The position requires the ability to move from heterogeneous, incomplete, and often non-standardised impact records to consistent, quality-controlled, and decision-relevant evidence on how, where, and when climate extremes cause physical damage.

The candidate should demonstrate strong skills in statistics and in the application of advanced quantitative methods, such as extreme value analysis, generalised linear and additive models, time-series and spatial statistics, and uncertainty quantification. Initial experience in the critical review of scientific and institutional sources, in the harmonisation of impact and loss databases, or in the development of hazard–impact relationships (e.g. exposure–response, physical damage, or vulnerability functions) will be highly valued.

An understanding of how impact evidence feeds into climate risk assessment, adaptation planning, and impact-based early warning is particularly relevant. The candidate should be able to work across disciplines, connecting climate science, statistics, and sectoral impact research. Familiarity with programming for scientific data analysis (preferably Python and/or R), with observational, reanalysis, and climate projection data, and with international frameworks for disaster loss accounting is considered an asset. Strong analytical and organizational skills, rigour in data handling, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and proactive engagement with interdisciplinary teams and external partners are highly valued.

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, to train the next generation of scientists at both national and international levels, and to 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!

To learn more about this opportunity and submit your application, please refer to the following:

ROLE

The Early Career Researcher will be part of the REMHI Division – Regional Models and geo-Hydrological Impacts, reporting to the Division Director, and will contribute to research and innovation activities focused on the assessment and modelling of the impacts of climate extremes and hazards in support of climate risk assessment and adaptation in urban environment.

The role focuses on the systematic review of impact evidence and the quantitative modelling of the impacts of extreme occurrences, supporting the development of methodologies, datasets, and indicators that link climate hazards to observed and projected impacts.

The Early Career Researcher will contribute to activities related to the review of international, European, and national sources, the statistical modelling of hazard–impact relationships, and their application under current and future climate conditions, helping turn fragmented impact information into robust evidence usable in climate risk assessment and adaptation planning.

The Early Career Researcher will be involved in European research and innovation projects, including Horizon Europe initiatives, as well as in collaborations with national authorities, regional and local public administrations, and other institutional stakeholders, contributing to the development and application of impact assessment approaches for climate risk analysis and adaptation.

Responsibilities

The Early Career Researcher in Climate Impact Assessment will support the research activities of the REMHI Division, with the following tasks:

Carry out a structured review of the main international, European, and national sources on climate-related impacts, including scientific literature, assessment reports (e.g. IPCC, EEA European Climate Risk Assessment, JRC), and institutional datasets and reports from national agencies and authorities;

Contribute to the statistical modelling of the impacts of extreme events, and the identification of impact-relevant hazard thresholds, with a focus on heat/cold extremes and impacts for population;

Apply advanced statistical methods, such as extreme value theory, generalised linear and additive models, distributed lag non-linear models, hierarchical and Bayesian approaches, copulas for compound events, and machine learning, and quantify the associated uncertainties;

Produce datasets, figures, maps, and visualisations for scientific and technical use, and for communication to public authorities and non-specialist audiences;

Support the preparation of technical reports, project deliverables, scientific publications, presentations, and other knowledge-transfer activities, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across climate science, statistics, engineering, health, and economics.

Requirements

MSc / Laurea Magistrale in a quantitative discipline (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Environmental or Climate Sciences) or related fields. Candidates in an advanced stage of a doctoral programme in a relevant field (thesis submitted or close to completion) are particularly encouraged to apply;

Research experience in the quantitative analysis of the impacts of climate extremes on society, such as on human health or infrastructure;

Solid background in statistical modelling and data analysis applied to climate, environmental, or impact data;

Experience in the review and synthesis of scientific literature and of heterogeneous data sources;

Programming skills for scientific data analysis (e.g. R and/or Python);

Familiarity with climate data (observations, reanalysis, regional climate projections) and with climate risk assessment and adaptation frameworks is considered an asset;

Peer-reviewed publications and/or experience in national or international research projects are considered an asset;

Good knowledge of English (at least B2 level), with the ability to work and write in an international research environment; strong analytical, organizational, and teamwork skills.

Duration, compensation & benefits

Please note that this opportunity will be issued both internally and externally.

The Early Career Researcher will be based in the CMCC office in Caserta.

The contract offered for this position will be a Coordinated and Continuous Collaboration contract, starting from December 1st, 2026 and lasting for 12 months.

The position is initially part-time, with an indicative commitment of three days per week, ideally to be carried out on site at the Caserta office to ensure effective coordination with the research team. A subsequent full-time engagement may be envisaged, subject to the availability of funding.

The gross salary range for this position, expressed on a full-time annual basis, is 17,000–24,000 Euros.

Flexible working time as per internal policies.

Support during the immigration process, if needed.

Protected category

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

Call details

• Institution: CMCC Foundation
• Call code: 12852
• Application deadline: 25/10/2026