Scientist in the field of Climate Change and Health (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.

For the concept phase of the project “Gemüse für Schulen – Untersuchung des Einflusses von Schulgärten in Deutschland auf die Ernährung – GESUND” PIK is offering a position as a

Scientist in the field of Climate Change and Health (m/f/d).

(Position number: 13-2023 Scientist Gesund)

The position is funded for 6 months starting on 01.06.2023. Remuneration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), salary group E 13. This is a part-time position with a weekly working time of 30 hours per week. Appointment is conditional on the final approval by the funding agency.

The long-term project “GESUND” aims to investigate the extent to which school gardening programs promote healthy and sustainable eating behaviors among elementary school children. The study will also assess the project implementation process, including hindering and facilitating contextual factors, as well as investigate how the school gardening program can trigger systemic change processes in schools. PIK will be collaborating with the non-profit organization Acker e.V., which has been implementing the GemüseAckerdemie as a year-round theory- and practice-oriented educational program for school children since 2014.

An initial concept development phase will be realized for a period of 6 months in which the project team will develop the overall project design, methods, and instruments, set up the project consortium, and finalize the proposal for the long-term project of three years.

Key responsibilities:

• development of the research project design for the long-term project in the field of climate change and health with a focus on nutrition and education,
• contribution to the conceptual framework as well as the overall study design, including quantitative and qualitative methods and instruments for data collection,
• support of the writing of the full proposal for the long-term project together with the GESUND team members,
• conducting relevant literature reviews such as on the impacts of school gardens on nutrition and school environments,
• coordination of the concept phase with the involved partner organizations and build up the consortium for the project realization phase of three years.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in educational science, sustainability studies, nutritional studies, public/global health, ecology or another relevant discipline,
• strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, including experience with designing and conducting the evaluation of interventions,
• knowledge and understanding of empirical research on health-related and/or education topics,
• knowledge in conducting literature reviews and the definition of study designs,
• a high level of competence in oral and written German and English.

We expect:

• the ability to work independently and on your own initiative,
• a methodical and systematic approach,
• structured and goal-oriented thinking,
• capacity to familiarise yourself quickly with new topics,
• creativity and openness to new approaches,
• reliability, the ability to cope with stress, and a high level of motivation,
• willingness to travel for work within Germany (project meetings, workshops etc.) and take part in further training,
• capacity for teamwork,
• organizational talent.

We offer:

• the chance to be part of a creative, interdisciplinary team,
• a stimulating working environment in an internationally recognized research institute on Potsdam's beautiful, historic Telegrafenberg campus, a short commuting distance from Berlin,
• flexi-time and mobile working (up to 40% of your hours),
• a collective pay scheme and associated benefits as well as a subsidized travel card.

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 29.03.2023 directly using our application form.

Application documents should comprise a letter of motivation, CV, relevant certificates and indication of references. Please upload only one pdf file.

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: https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education.html

For further information or to discuss the position please contact Dr Amanda Wendt, Telephone +49 (0)331-288-20816 or by email wendt@pik-potsdam.de.