Job Description

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 Department 2: Climate Resilience, Working Group Adaptation in Agricultural Systems, PIKis offering a

postdoctoral position on disaster risk management and adaptation (m/f/d)

(Position number: 40-2025 Postdoc RENAT)



in the field of political science and environmental policy, starting on

01.02.2026

.



The position

is funded until 31.12.2026

. Remuneration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), salary group E 13. This is a full-time position with a weekly working time of 40 hours per week.
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our team working on disaster risk management and climate adaptation, using probilistic risk modelling, applied statistical methods to evaluate risk management and adaptation measures in the agricultural sector, mainly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Working together with other researchers, governments, and international organizations primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, we conduct applied research that can inform policy-making and program design, with the aim to support risk management and adaptation to climate change. The work is carried out within different third-party funded projects and in cooperation with climate scientists, agricultural modellers and economists.

Key responsibilities:

conduct empirical and modelling studies on agricultural risk management and adaptation to climate change, with a focus on LMICs coordinate and contribute to the implementation of research projects through close collaboration with other researchers at PIK as well as the involved stakeholders in the target countries write and publish articles in peer-reviewed journals that highlight findings from the research projects and present research findings at international conferences liaise and maintain communication with project donors, responding to information requests, preparing project progress reports and policy briefs

Requirements:

Master’s degree in political science, environmental policy, or related fields with a quantitative orientation, with experience in both empirical research and future projections knowledge and work experience in tropical agriculture, sustainable development, and climate impact analysis qualifications in probilistic risk modelling, applied statistics and familiar with quantitative risk modelling measures strong data analysis skills and proficiency in R and Python; experience with other programing languages, GIS and agricultural and flood modelling software is desirable primary data collection skills Ability to manage projects and contribute to research proposal development is an asset Work experience in LMICs and willingness to travel to these countries is essential

We expect:

strong commitment to teamwork and collaborative research high motivation to engage in policy-oriented research topics on sustainable agriculture and development ability to work independently, goal-oriented and on your own initiative a methodical and systematic approach excellent analytical and scientific writing abilities, combined with strong communication skills high level of competence in oral and written German and English, proficiency in French or Portuguese is an asset

We offer:

opportunities for cooperation with PIK’s national and international network of leading climate and agricultural research institutes participation in user-driven research projects with international partners guidance and supervision in career development the chance to be part of a creative and 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 schience 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 the 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

14.12.2025

directly via our application form .



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 Prof. Dr. Christoph Gornott.