Researcher with Focus on Climate Policy

Job Application deadline

27 July 2026

Location

Berlin

Starting date as soon as possible Contract

unlimited

Working time

full or part time

To support our team in Berlin we are looking – as soon as possible – for a

Researcher with Focus on Climate Policy

Full or part time (min. 25 h/week)

Ecologic Institute works at the forefront of German and European climate policy, developing evidence-based solutions for the transition to a climate-neutral economy. As a researcher, you will contribute to projects that examine which policy instruments, governance frameworks and policy mixes can drive change across key sectors, how they can be combined into coherent and socially balanced strategies, and how existing approaches can be strengthened and improved. The work also explores how progress towards climate neutrality can be assessed, as well as the political, legal and practical challenges of implementation, the conflicts and trade-offs that arise in the transformation process, and solution-oriented approaches for addressing them.

Does that sound interesting to you?

The Climate Programme at Ecologic Institute looks forward to hearing from you as an experienced researcher with expertise in climate policy and a strong interest in applied, policy-oriented work.

Your tasks:

You will work on and manage projects on climate policy at the national and European levels – depending on your background, with a focus on economic or governance aspects of the transition.
You will carry out scientific analyses independently and prepare the results for the respective target groups and clients such as the European Commission, the European Environment Agency, the German Ministry for the Environment (BMUKN) or the Federal Environment Agency (UBA).
In cooperation with the team you will acquire new projects; continue existing project strands, including, for example, projects on climate governance, energy transition, CDR policy, and/or ETS design; and help to open new subject areas for the institute.
You will conduct applied policy research using qualitative and quantitative methods, including stakeholder-based policy research, impact assessments, project and policy evaluations and/or indicator-based assessments.
You will contribute project results to the scientific and political discourse and represent your work at workshops, conferences and other events.

Your profile:

You have completed a master's degree specialising in economics or political science (or equivalent). A relevant PhD is an advantage.
You have professional experience (at least three years) in a relevant working environment, for example, in applied environmental policy research and policy advice.
You have very good knowledge of German and/or European climate policy and the current challenges. Expertise in the competitiveness angle of climate policy, including the industrial transition, is an advantage.
You have a strong understanding and up-to-date knowledge of climate policy instruments, particularly in relation to economic instruments such as carbon pricing or climate governance instruments, including planning and monitoring frameworks.
You have excellent methodological (qualitative and quantitative) and very good analytical skills.
You have experience in the acquisition and management of projects at European or national level.
Contacts to relevant actors in government, science and research, civil society and the private sector are an advantage.
You enjoy working independently as well as in a team and feel comfortable in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
You have a very good command of written and spoken German and English

Our offer:

You will work in a leading international think tank that develops solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. You will work on a scientific basis and politically independently – in constant exchange with experts and decision-makers from politics, research, business, and civil society.
As part of an international team, you will enjoy a pleasant working atmosphere in a flexible and family-friendly environment with flat hierarchies.
You will work on projects independently and on your own responsibility, strengthening your profile in the field of climate action. In doing so, you can build on the institute's excellent references and networks.
We will support you and offer you creative freedom and further training opportunities to deepen your expertise and develop your professional skills.
We offer you an unlimited employment contract with appropriate pay and a minimum of 25 hours per week.
We pay a substantial part of the Deutschlandticket and an extra 10 days of paid leave per sick child per year.
We have flexible working hours with the option of mobile working. Mobile work in the European Union is possible for three weeks per year.

Interested?

Please apply online with the following documents:

Letter of motivation
CV
Work samples in German and English each max. 10 pages
Certificates
References

Deadline for applications: 27 July 2026

For questions please contact our HR Manager Verena Stange via 030 86880-122 or per e-mail: verena.stange@ecologic.eu

Diversity in disciplines, backgrounds, and experiences strengthens research and society. We therefore welcome all applications. The only criteria for hiring are the job requirements and the qualifications of the applicants. We therefore ask that you refrain from sending photos with your application.

Application deadline

27 July 2026

Location

Berlin

Starting date as soon as possible Contract

unlimited

Working time

full or part time

Prospective Team

More about our climate research

More about our energy research

Keywords

Climate

Economics

Energy

Governance

Industry

Researcher with Focus on Climate Policy