Researcher*in (m/f/d)

Researcher position Preview (m/f/d)

Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)

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 PREVIEW Project PIK is offering a

Researcher position Preview (m/f/d)

(Position number: 78-2024 Researcher Preview)

Climate change is widely regarded as a risk amplifier. In particular, the increasing frequency and intensity of weather-related extreme events can undermine peace and stability. In close collaboration with the German Federal Foreign Office, the PREVIEW project aims to develop and visualize a climate-conflict vulnerability index (CCVI) to foresee and minimize such risks in the future. The project aims to support the well-being and agency of marginalised groups and re-examine the classical foreign policy from a feminist perspective. The advertised position supports the work on the vulnerability pillar of the CCVI. The researcher will help to identify, conceptualize and further develop vulnerability indicators, and conduct original scientific work. The successful candidate will become part of PIK’s FutureLab “Security, Ethnic Conflicts and Migration”.

Key responsibilities:

You will strengthen the Future Lab “Security, Ethnic Conflicts and Migration” by performing original quantitative research in the field of climate and environmental economics using econometric analysis, and writing scientific papers. In particular, you will contribute to the development of a climate-conflict vulnerability index, especially with conceptual work and quantitative research. You will prepare reports, analyses, concept papers and briefings in English and will interact with scientific partners and stakeholders within the project. You will also engage in conceptualizing a follow-up scientific project on climate and conflict.

Requirements:

We require a higher degree (M.Sc.) in environmental, climate and/or development economics, econometrics, or a comparable field of study

• Proven knowledge and experience in the field of climate change impacts, and peace and security (at least 5 years of work experience)
• Proven experience in quantitative research (at least 3 years of work experience)
• Experience in conceptualizing research projects
• Experience in working with citation databases and literature research
• Strong analytical skills and expertise in quantitative research (ideally econometrics) and data analyzing in R and Stata
• Experience in writing reports, policy briefs and proposals
• Experience in project management and/or the organization of events is an advantage

We expect:

• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex phenomena from different perspectives
• A methodical and systematic approach
• High level of competence in oral and written English
• Clear and well accessible work documentation
• Structured and goal-oriented thinking
• Capacity to familiarise yourself quickly with new topics
• Creativity and openness to new approaches
• High reliability
• Capacity for teamwork
• Organisational talent

We offer:

• The chance to be part of a creative, interdisciplinary team,
• 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),
• A collective pay scheme and associated benefits as well as a subsidized travel card or a 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.

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 further information or to discuss the position please contact Simon Merschroth.