PhD position (m/f/d)

For the research department Climate Economics and Policy, located at EUREF Campus in Berlin-Schöneberg, PIK is offering a

PhD position (m/f/d)
(Position number: 39-2025 EVIDENCE)

in the field of Climate Policy Evaluation, Political Economy and Development, ideally starting on 01.02.2026.

The position is funded for 3 years with a 75% share of the total E13 salary in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg). This position is contingent upon funding approval. The position can be filled on a part-time basis.

The position will be based in the working group “Political Economy of Climate Policies”, led by Prof. Dr. Jan Steckel who is also Professor at TU Munich’s School of Social Sciences and Technology. The position is embedded in the research project “EVIDENCE – Evidence based research on climate policy reforms for policy based lending in low- and middle-income countries” funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The successful candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student in TUM’s graduate programme.

Key responsibilities:

• Co-designing research methodology / approaches to study the political economy of climate mitigation policies in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) with a focus on the private sector and political elites
• conducting econometric and experimental analysis related to the above work
• writing research papers as part of a dissertation project
• translating research insights into policy relevant and accessible formats
• presenting research at international conferences and publish in academic journals
   

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, for example in Economics or quantitative Political Science
• profound understanding of key concepts in environmental economics and/or political economy of climate policies
• strong quantitative background with experience in causal inference using panel data (e.g., Difference-in-differences)
• solid knowledge of Stata, R and/or Python for conducting econometric analysis
• previous knowledge of conducting survey experiments is an asset
• experience in conducting economic or climate policy research in the LMICs is an asset

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every requirement. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to finding the best candidate, recognizing that growth and learning are part of the role.

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
• capacity for teamwork

We offer:

• the chance to be part of an engaged, interdisciplinary team with very supportive colleagues and a well-established international research network,
• a stimulating working environment in an internationally recognised research institute,
• possibility to complete a PhD at TU Munich’s School of Social Science and Technology within an excellent, collaborative, and transdisciplinary research environment
• a lively community of PhD students at PIK, offering the chance to engage and connect - our PhD Representatives offer information and advice when needed
• 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.
• an environment that allows a full focus on research and academic career development, while also giving insights into the science policy interface

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 10.12.2025 directly via our application form below this job advertisement on our website.

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

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