Working at IIASA

Working Environment

The "Schloss Laxenburg" facility has been gratefully provided by the host country Austria to the International Scientific Community. 

About Laxenburg (near Vienna):

IIASA is located in a former 18^th century imperial palace of the Habsburg Monarchy in Laxenburg, Austria about 15 km from Vienna. The facility has been gratefully provided by the host country Austria to the International Scientific Community. According to Mercer's 21st annual Quality of Living survey, Vienna ranked highest for quality of living for the 10th year in a row in 2019. The survey covers nearly 500 cities worldwide and is based on 39 criteria such as political, social, economic, educational, and environmental factors. Vienna has all the facilities of a modern, progressive city, in the heart of Europe and is considered one of the most liveable cities in the world.

While famous for its concert venues, opera houses, theaters, and museums, Vienna also provides opportunities for great outdoor activities on nearby Lake Neusiedl, the Vienna Woods, and the Alps. Vienna has a wealth of different research and international governmental institutions, permitting extensive dialogue at local and international level between scientists and policymakers.

Employee Benefits

IIASA employees enjoy an attractive package of benefits which include among others:

• A competitive salary which is exempt from taxation in the host country of Austria.  (subject to the principle of income aggregation); 
• A generous annual leave allowance;
• Non-contributory group accident insurance coverage;
• Tax free shopping privileges;
• Partial reimbursement of private school fees for schooling in Austria or for German language tutoring of children enrolled in public schools.

Scientific and professional staff hired from international locations are also entitled to receive moving and settlement allowances and paid home leave (rules apply).

Employee Wellbeing

We are strongly committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, and tolerance and take the well-being of our staff very seriously. The Institute provides lots of amenities to its employees to ensure a pleasant and healthy working environment. We have
our own catering facilities and a subsidized restaurant offering a choice of international and Austrian specialties daily (Monday through Friday). We have a fully equipped gym, tennis courts, lunchtime yoga and keep-fit classes, a visiting occupational physician and work psychologist. 

Social Activities

Thanks to the IIASA Staff Association (STAC) and its enthusiastic Social Committee, the IIASA community enjoys all manner of social and cultural gatherings. Here to name but a few of these activities:

• Canadian pancake breakfast;
• American Independence (July 4^th) celebrations;
• Wine tasting trips;
• Staff soccer and volleyball matches;
• Triathlon;
• International dinner;
• Thanksgiving lunch;
• Christmas lunch/ball.

Last edited: 25 October 2019