Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung e.V. (PIK) -- Scientific Position (PhD or Postdoctoral level) (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 working group “Impacts of climate change on human population dynamics” PIK is offering a

Scientific Position (PhD or Postdoctoral level) (m/f/d)

(Position number: 24-2026 Researcher Migration)

in the field of climate change and human migration, starting on the earliest possible date.

Key responsibilities:

• conceive, design, and conduct quantitative research on human migration
• develop and test new approaches explaining observed temporal variations and trends in internal and/or international migration
• building on state-of-the-art econometric and/or system dynamics modeling approaches and recent migration data sources
• investigate links between such variations or trends and global climate change, e.g., through direct estimation of environmental drivers, or attribution of changes in non-environmental drivers to climate change
• publish the results of the research in peer-reviewed journals
• present research findings at conferences and workshops

Requirements:

• a PhD (for Postdoctoral position) or M.Sc. (for PhD position) in a relevant field, such as economics, geography, climate sciences, physics or mathematics
• experience in quantitative research, documented by relevant publications in peer-reviewed journals (for PhD position, other written contributions, such as theses or draft manuscripts, may be acceptable)

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 opportunity to complete a high-quality dissertation within an excellent, collaborative, and transdisciplinary research environment
• a lively community of PhD students on the campus, offering the chance to engage and connect - our PhD Representatives offer information and advice when needed
• the chance to be part of an engaged, interdisciplinary team,
• a stimulating working environment in an internationally recognised research institute on Potsdam's beautiful, historic Telegrafenberg campus, a short commuting distance from Berlin
• company KITA/kids day nursery “Geolino” directly in the science park on Telegrafenberg, within walking distance of PIK
• 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
• 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 23.08.2026 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 Dr. Jacob Schewe.