Senior Scientist for Integrated Assessment Modeling of Climate Change (m/f/d)

The climate needs bright minds. The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) addresses crucial scientific questions in the fields of global change, climate impacts and sustainable development. It is one of the world's leading research institutions in its field and offers natural and social scientists from around the world an inspiring environment for excellent interdisciplinary research.

PIK’s Research Department III Transformation Pathways is seeking a

Senior Scientist for Integrated Assessment Modeling of Climate Change (m/f/d)

(Position number: 61-2024) Researcher New Pathways)

to advance international climate policy modeling and climate change mitigation pathway analysis.

This position starts on January 1, 2025, and will run until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. Remuneration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), salary group E 13. This is a full-time position with a weekly working time of 40 hours per week. The position can be filled on a part-time basis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead research in the NEWPATHWAYS project, working closely with Prof. Dr. Elmar Kriegler and coordinating integrated assessment model comparisons.
• Develop and analyze climate change mitigation pathways using REMIND-MAgPIE.
• Contribute strategically to international climate policy analysis at PIK and mentor junior researchers.
• Create policy briefs and communication tools to share insights from scenario analyzes.
• Engage in stakeholder dialogues and outreach with international climate policymakers.

Requirements:

• A post-graduate degree (PhD / Dr) in economics, political science, ecology, geography, physics, engineering, operations research, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Strong analytical skills with a passion for applied modeling.
• Proven track record in publishing and presenting scientific work.
• Programming experience (knowledge of R and/or GAMS is a plus).

We expect:

• Independent and initiative-driven work style.
• Structured and goal-oriented thinking.
• Quick adaptability to new topics.
• Creativity and openness to new approaches.
• Reliability and high motivation levels.
• Excellent command of oral and written English.
• Willingness to travel for project meetings and workshops.
• Strong teamwork and organizational skills.

We offer:

• Creative Collaboration: Be part of a dynamic interdisciplinary team utilizing PIK’s renowned integrated assessment modeling framework, REMIND-MAgPIE.
• Global Impact: Play a key role in the exciting EU Horizon Project NEWPATHWAYS, working with an international consortium from four continents to develop strategies aligned with the Paris Agreement.
• Top research: Push the modeling and analysis of climate change transformation pathways to a new frontier in a unique environment.
• Engagement Opportunities: Connect directly with stakeholders and provide high-level policy advice, turning your research into actionable change.
• A Beautiful Setting: Work at our stunning, historic Telegrafenberg campus in Potsdam, just a short commute from Berlin.
• Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy flexible hours and the option for mobile working (up to 50 % of your time).
• Networking Potential: Collaborate with PIK’s extensive national and international network of leading climate and economic research institutes.
• Competitive Compensation: a collective pay scheme and associated benefits.

PIK values equality and diversity. We encourage applications without photo. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of ethnic and social origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, care responsibilities, or age. PIK seeks to increase the share of women in scientific positions and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. In cases of equal qualification and within the given legal scope, women will be given preference. PIK also encourages applications by parents returning from parental leave.

Please apply ideally by 18.11.2024 directly via our application form below this job advertisement on our website, as the first interviews are scheduled for the week of 25.11. to 29.11.2024. The application process remains open until the position is filled. 

Please include a letter of motivation, CV, relevant certificates and transcripts, and references.

If you hold an international higher education qualification, please also submit the Statement of Comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. In the case that you do not yet have a ZAB Statement of Comparability for your qualification, please be aware that you may need to request this if your application is successful. You can find further information on this website: https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education.html

For more details or to discuss the position, please reach out to Dr. Nico Bauer or Prof. Dr. Elmar Kriegler.