Student research assistant (m/f/d) for the Climate Economics and Policy research department

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.

The Climate Economics and Policy research department, located at EUREF-Campus in Berlin-Schöneberg, is offering an exciting opportunity to be part of the BMZ funded project EVIDENCE. We are currently looking for a

Student research assistant (m/f/d)

(Position number: 01-2026 SHK EVIDENCE)

in the field of Political Economy, starting as soon as possible or on 01.05.2026.

The position will be based in the working group “Political Economy”, led by Prof. Dr. Jan Steckel. The position is funded for 12 months with possibility of extension. 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 €). This is a part-time position with a weekly working time of 10-20 hours per week.

Key responsibilities:

• support our research on the political economy of climate policies
• take part in data science and empirical analyses
• contribute to assessments of cause-effect-relationships in the domain of climate policy
• review academic articles in economics and political science
• engage with other opportunities conditional on current needs and individual interests

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

• knowledge of key concepts in environmental economics and/or political economy of climate policies
• strong motivation and active interest to work on policy instruments for climate change mitigation
• knowledge of R and/or Python for conducting econometric analysis or text analysis (or an interest in learning)
• high diligence and strong attention to detail
• ideally, strong understanding of causal relationships/mechanisms
• experience with (quantitative) research methods including econometrics is a plus

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
• a high level of competence in oral and written English
• reliability, engagement, and a high level of motivation
• capacity for teamwork

We offer:

• the chance to be part of an engaged, interdisciplinary team
• excellent opportunities to get hands-on experience in a world-leading research institute in the field of global change
• a stimulating working environment and an attractive working space at the EUREF-Campus in Berlin Schöneberg
• 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 01.03.2026 directly via our application form below this job advertisement on our website.

For further information or to discuss the position please contact Dr. Johannes Gallé.