Senior Scientist (m/f/d) for Research Department 3 - Transformation Pathways -

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 Research Department 3 - Transformation Pathways -  PIKis offering a position as

Senior Scientist (m/f/d)

(Position number: 23-2026 Researcher NEWPATHWAYS)

in the field of integrated assessment modelling and climate change mitigation pathway analysis, starting on 01.11.2026.

The position is funded for 2 years and 5 months. Renumeration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), salary group E 13 This is a full-time position with a  working time of 40 hours per week. The position is suitable for part-time work that is close to full-time.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute strategically to international climate policy analysis at PIK using and developing integrated assessment modelling (REMIND-MAgPIE model)
• Lead the synthesis work package in the EU Horizon NEWPATHWAYS project on climate and development pathways, working closely with the principal investigator Prof. Dr. Elmar Kriegler (PI) and the project coordination at PIK 
• Coordinate an integrated assessment model comparison on new global transformation pathways to inform the second Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement
• Engage in stakeholder dialogues and outreach with international climate policymakers to share insights from scenario analyses

Requirements:

• A post-graduate degree (PhD/Dr) in economics, public policy, physics, engineering, operations research, environmental sciences, or a related field
• Strong analytical skills with a passion for applied modeling and scenario analysis
• Proven track record in publishing and presenting scientific work
• Programming experience (knowledge of R and/or GAMS is a plus)
• Experience in team work and collaborative coding (e.g. using github) is an asset

We expect:

• Independent and initiative-driven work style
• Structured and goal-oriented thinking
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent command of oral and written English
• Willingness to travel for project meetings and workshops
• Strong teamwork and organizational skills

We offer:

• Creative Collaboration: Be part of an engaged, dynamic interdisciplinary team utilizing PIK’s renowned integrated assessment modeling framework, REMIND-MAgPIE.
• Global Impact: Play a key role in the exciting EU Horizon Project NEWPATHWAYS, working with an international consortium from four continents to develop strategies aligned with the Paris Agreement.
• Top Research: Push the modeling and analysis of climate change transformation pathways to a new frontier in a unique and internationally recognized research environment.
• Engagement Opportunities: Connect directly with stakeholders and provide high-level policy advice, turning your research into actionable change.
• A Beautiful Setting: Work in a stimulating environment on Potsdam’s stunning, historic Telegrafenberg campus, just a short commute from Berlin.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: Benefit from the company daycare center “Geolino,” located within walking distance of PIK in the Telegrafenberg science park
• Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy flexible hours and the option for mobile working (up to 50% of your time)
• Networking Potential: Collaborate with PIK’s extensive national and international network of leading climate and economic research institutes
• Competitive Compensation: Receive a collective pay scheme and associated benefits, including a subsidized travel card or Deutschland-Ticket Job
• Paid vacation: 30 days of paid vacation
• For Free: free charging stations for e-bikes on Telegrafenberg campus

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 13.08.2026 directly via our application form below this job advertisement on our website.

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 David Hansmann.