Junior Researcher for the Interreg project GRACE - Green Roofs for Alpine Connectivity Ecology” for the analysis of potential green roofs and urban ecological networks

Institute for Regional Development

Within the Institute for Regional Development, we are looking for an ambitious and motivated junior researcher to work as landscape planner/ urban ecologist for the European Interreg Italy-Austria project “GRACE - Green Roofs for Alpine Connectivity Ecology CUP: D53C25003820007”. The project aims to evaluate the potential of green roofs in urban areas to enhance biodiversity and mitigate climate change impacts. The successful candidate will support the team in identifying potential green roofs and modelling ecological connectivity focusing on three alpine cities, as well as for communication activities and general project management. More information on the project is available by clicking on the following link.

Tasks:

• Contribute to the conceptual development of the project within the framework of urban landscape planning, focusing on the design and implementation of nature-based solutions (green roofs) in urban environments.


• Contribute to the analysis on potential new green roofs in Bolzano, Innsbruck, and Udine, including the assessment of technical feasibility, regulatory frameworks, and implementation options, in collaboration with project partners and planning experts.


• Support urban ecological connectivity modelling by elaborating models on urban green infrastructure networks, including green roofs as stepping stones, managing GIS datasets and assist in connectivity assessments.


• Conceptualize, conduct and analyse qualitative expert interviews (with operators from the green roof sector, landscape architects, representatives of the administration), for indicators on green roof feasibility and to identify main suitable areas for green roof extensions.


• Assist the elaboration of planning-oriented guidelines to support the integration of biodiversity-oriented green roofs into urban ecological networks and spatial planning processes, in collaboration with public authorities, stakeholders, and interdisciplinary research teams.


• Assist in conducting citizen involvement activities in Bolzano regarding the topic of urban biodiversity and green roofs.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Landscape Planning, Spatial planning, Geography or Environmental Sciences, with experience in GIS analysis for urban areas and urban ecology and biodiversity surveys.


• Language: Fluency in spoken and written English (minimum C1 level) and good proficiency in either Italian or German. The knowledge of all three languages is advantageous.


• Experience in managing project components, including effective resource allocation, timely delivery of project outputs, and collaboration with research teams in an international environment.


• Organizational and communication skills, demonstrated through report writing and event organization, as well as experience in working in team and in EU-funded projects.


• Proficiency in ESRI products or comparable GIS software; programming skills in one or more languages relevant to spatial modelling and analysis are considered an asset.


• Experience in conducting qualitative research by interviews and surveys.


• Being familiar with urban planning regulations and main planning instruments of Austria and Italy is advantageous.

We offer:

• Gross annual salary ranging from 37.730,70 € to 43.868,18 € (for a Full Time job Equivalent)


• Workplace location: Bozen/Bolzano


• Benefits and work-life balance: Eurac Research offers a welfare package designed to support employees’ well-being and work-life balance, contributing to a positive and inclusive working experience in an international research environment. The full and regularly updated list of benefits is available here.


• Part—time (80%), fixed-term contract, starting from October 2026 to the end of March 2028 (for 18 months).


• Access to professional development and training opportunities through Eurac Researchs Education and Training department.


• An attractive working place in the heart of the Alps with endless opportunities for skiing, hiking, climbing.


• The chance to work with local and international research centres, and universities


• The opportunity to work in a young international team in a fast-growing sector;


• Working conditions which allow professional growth and know how acquisition with carrier opportunity as applied researcher

Employment conditions:

• Employment classification and applicable collective agreement: II level of the Italian National Collective Labour Agreement for the Tertiary/Commerce Sector


• Gross Annual Salary range: the gross annual salary range is primarily linked to the advertised position, its requirements and expected level, and is defined according to Eurac Research’s internal remuneration framework. The candidate’s highest academic degree and any relevant professional experience documented in the CV are taken into account where applicable, but always within the salary range defined for the advertised position. The range also reflects whether the position is full-time or part-time.