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.
For the projects RIKEN and ASMASYS2 of PIK’s
Research Department 3 “Transformation Pathways” is offering a
Postdoc position Sustainable development pathways (d/f/m)
(Position number: 30-2025 Postdoc Pathways)
If you enjoy working in a very collaborative, supportive and international team, you love writing and improving code, you like analytical thinking and constructive problem-solving, and you want to contribute to tackling one of the big challenges of our time – then you may want to apply to the position in our team, which is expected to start on 01.11.2025. Appointment is conditional on approval by the funding agency.
The position is initially funded until 31.03.2027, but an extension is envisaged. Remuneration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), salary group E 13. It 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.
The focus of this position is on sustainable development pathways (SDPs). You will design climate change mitigation scenarios that respect both climate targets and sustainable development goals using the REMIND model, one of the world’s leading integrated energy-economy-climate modelling systems. You will derive and analyze holistic sustainable development pathways across the sustainable development goals (SDGs) that consider e.g. sufficient energy access for developing countries or fair contributions of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) by developed countries.
Key responsibilities
* contributions to the development of the integrated assessment modeling framework REMIND
* scenario design based on stakeholder interaction
* model-based analysis of various technology and policy solutions
* participation in project meetings
* presentation of results at international conferences
* publication of results in scientific journals
Requirements
* PhD in Physics, Engineering, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, System Sciences or a related field
* training in formal, quantitative methods, excellent analytical skills
* experience in research software engineering, programming experience (e.g. R, GAMS)
* active interest in energy systems analysis and climate change mitigation
We expect
* the ability to work independently and on your own initiative
* reliability, engagement, and a high level of motivation
* capacity to familiarise yourself quickly with new topics
* willingness to travel for work and participate in further training
* structured and goal-oriented thinking
* team orientation and strong communication skills in English. The working language at PIK is English.
We offer
* an inspiring, international and interdisciplinary work environment in one of the world’s leading research institutes on climate change mitigation and energy systems transformation
* high-impact and solution-oriented research with immediate policy relevance and impact on international assessments such as IPCC reports
* opportunities for cooperation with PIK’s national and international network of leading climate & energy research institutes and think tanks
* insights and experience in strategic research management and stakeholder consultation and advice
* career development opportunities for PostDocs, e.g. via Humboldt Graduate School
* a stimulating working environment on Potsdam's beautiful, historic Telegrafenberg campus, a short commuting distance from Berlin
* company KITA/kids day nursery “Geolino” directly in the science park on Telegrafenberg, within walking distance of PIK
* flexi-time and mobile working (up to 50 % of your hours),
* a collective pay scheme and associated benefits, as well as a subsidized travel card or Deutschland-Ticket Job
You will be supervised by Dr. Jessica Strefler (Group lead Integrated Assessment Modelling in Research Department 3).
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 by 31.08.2025 directly using our .
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 will need to request this if your application is successful. You can find further information on this website:
For further information or to discuss the position, please contact Dr. Jessica Strefler .