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 3 – Transformation pathways – is offering

in the field of Modeling the transformation and circularity in the chemical industry and other energy-intensive industries.

Pursuing a PhD is possible, but optional: Candidates not holding a PhD can also apply as a research analyst.

The position is initially funded for two years for a postdoctoral researcher or research analyst, or for three years for a doctoral candidate. Extensions are envisaged and rely on new external funding. Remuneration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), salary group E 13. The full-time position for the Postdoc or research analyst has a weekly working time of 40 hours (100%). It can also be filled on a part-time basis. If the position is filled as a PhD position, you will receive a 75% contract. 

Which green technologies will dominate the future production of chemicals like plastics, ammonia, and other basic materials like steel and cement? How deep can we cut emissions through behavioral changes, recycling or alternative feedstocks? How do decarbonization and circular economy interact? Which countries will be the main exporters and importers of future green materials? If these questions pique your interest and if you enjoy collaborative programming and data analysis in an interdisciplinary and international team, this position is right for you.

As a valuable member of our team, you will model and assess transformation options, circularity and scenarios for the industry transformation with our global integrated assessment model REMIND and the coupled in-house material-flow model SIMSON. You will discuss with international research partners, industry stakeholders and policy makers about the research implications for policy and transformation strategies in different world regions and global material trade.

• Collaborative code development and data analysis 
• Deriving global, European and German energy transformation pathways with the integrated assessment model REMIND with a focus on the chemical sector, material production, hydrogen and trade
• Understanding circularity through material flow analyses based on the SIMSON model, which is coupled to REMIND
• Collaboration with national and global modelling teams from around the world in international research projects
• Communication of research results in stakeholder dialogues with industry actors and policy makers
• Publishing scientific papers in renown journals such as Nature Climate Change (own papers optional for research analysts)

• Master’s Degree or PhD in Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Computational Sciences or a related field
• Excellent analytical skills and interest in theoretical and applied modelling
• Demonstrated programming experience 
• For postdoctoral candidates: demonstrated experience in publishing and presenting scientific work

Preferred, but not required:

• Knowledge of R, Python and/or GAMS, and/or multi-person code development projects and git 
• Knowledge of basic chemicals production and the involved processes, and/or plastics recycling and circularity
• Experience with energy systems analysis, material flow analysis or integrated assessment modelling of climate change
• Experience with data analysis

• Capacity to collaborate in a team, while progressing independently with own responsibilities
• Structured, goal-oriented thinking and clear communication
• Capacity to familiarise yourself quickly with new topics
• Creativity and openness to new approaches
• Reliability and a high level of motivation
• A high level of competence in oral and written English
• Willingness to travel for work (project meetings, workshops etc.)

• The chance to be part of a creative, interdisciplinary, international team developing the internationally recognized model REMIND and complementing models,
• Opportunities for direct stakeholder engagement and high-level policy advise to use your research to make a difference,
• A stimulating working environment in an internationally recognised research institute on Potsdam's beautiful, historic Telegrafenberg campus, a short commuting distance from Berlin,
• Flexi-time and mobile working (up to 50% of your hours),
• Opportunities for cooperation with PIK’s national and international network of leading climate & economic research institutes and think tanks,
• A collective pay scheme and associated benefits as well as a subsidized travel card or Deutschland-Ticket Job.

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 directly via our application form below this job advertisement on our website. Applications before March 9, 2025 are certain to be considered. The job posting will remain open after that until the position is filled.

Application documents should comprise a letter of motivation, CV, relevant certificates and transcripts (including final high school and university grades), a compilation of programming experience (ideally with a link to a personal git account or similar) as well as an indication of references.

If you hold an international higher education qualification, please also submit a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. If you do not yet have a transcript evaluation, please note that you may have to request one if your application is successful. For further information, please visit the website: https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education.html

For further information or to discuss the position please contact Dr. Falko Ueckerdt or Dr. Jakob Dürrwächter.