Student Assistant Position CDR project (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 research group “Evidence for Climate Solutions” (RD5 Climate Economics and Policy) ,located at EUREF Campus in Berlin-Schöneberg, PIK is offering a

Student Assistant Position CDR project (m/f/d)

(Position number: 26-2025 SHK CDR project)

in the field of carbon dioxide removal, starting ideally on 01.09.2025.

The position is funded for up to one year (12 months). The remuneration is determined according to the guidelines of the TdL. The current hourly rate for a student assistant with a Bachelor's degree is 14,59 € (without a Bachelor's degree 13,98 €). Successful candidates can choose the number of weekly working hours in the range from 10 to 20.

Background:

The candidate will be working in the State of CDR project, an international collaboration that aims to establish a reliable, independent and scientific assessment of the field of carbon dioxide removal. The candidate will provide scientific support to analysis in the areas of national climate policies and media research. Important background material include chapters 5, 6 and 9 of the State of Carbon Dioxide Removal Edition 2.

The candidate will join the Evidence for Climate Solutions group, which offers a unique environment of subject experts, evidence synthesis methodology experts and data scientists, all working to advance climate solutions.

Key responsibilities:

• Track CDR policy plans and implementation across different national contexts, including the Nationally Determined Contributions submitted by parties to the Paris Agreement, building a database to evaluate global CDR policy progress.
• Assist in the coding and classification of media articles by CDR technology type and other characteristics.

You are a Bachelor or Master student, enrolled at a German university, and ideally meet the following requirements:

• a background in economics, public policy, political science, environmental science, or a related field of the social sciences
• interested in data collection, analysis, and research, preferably in a climate-related field such as carbon dioxide removal, environmental science, or climate policy
• excellent communication, presentation and writing skills in English are required, and proficiency in other languages is an asset.

 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, engagement, and a high level of motivation
• enthusiasm for teamwork
• a commitment to diversity and inclusion

We offer:

• the opportunity to start building your research profile in a key area of climate policy analysis
• the chance to be part of an engaged, interdisciplinary and multicultural team at PIK
• a stimulating working environment in an internationally recognised research institute situated at the Berlin offices of the modern EUREF Sustainability Campus in 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 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.

Please apply by 20.07.2025 directly via our application form below this job advertisement on our website.

For further information or to discuss the position please contact Dr. William Lamb.