Postdoctoral position on “Causal Climate Policy Evaluation” (m/f/d)

Key responsibilities

We expect the candidate to co-lead policy-oriented and data-intensive econometric research on the effectiveness of climate policies in the transportation sector (in Germany and Europe). The goal is to implement a research program that combines novel granular mobility data (e.g. from mobile phones), administrative datasets, and quasi-experimental program evaluation tools to assess a suit of policy interventions in terms of environmental effectiveness but also distributional effects. The objective of the position is to conduct and publish high-level research in international peer-reviewed journals and to turn scientific results into plain-language policy briefs that inform decision-makers about the design of robust and evidence-based policy mixes in the transport sector. The candidate will work closely with Dr. Nicolas Koch (MCC) and collaborate with Prof. Dr. Peter Haan (German Institute for Economic Research, DIW), and Dr. Patrick Plötz (Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research, ISI).

Other responsibilities include the contribution to policy consulting processes with policymakers and other stakeholders, and the integration of research data and findings in an interactive online dashboard. We expect the candidate to participate in project meetings and to coordinate with other project partners. Presentation of results at (national and international) conferences and to project partners is also expected.

Requirements:

• PhD (or be close to finishing PhD) in economics or a related field
• Advanced skills in econometrics/statistics as well as research interest in environmental economics
• Boundless enthusiasm about applying quasi-experimental program evaluation techniques (DID, SCM, RD) to evaluate climate policies
• Coding skills are a prerequisite, especially in R (or Stata or Python)
• Capacity for teamwork and interest in collaborative research
• Existing knowledge of climate policy instruments (such as carbon pricing) and their real-world implementation is extremely helpful but not strictly required

We offer:

• An inspiring and international work environment in a world leading research institute on climate policy issues
• Working in a dedicated and motivated team with very supportive colleagues and a well-established international research network
• Meaningful involvement in a research project of immediate policy relevance, providing the opportunity to gain experience in science-policy dialogues
• Flexible and family-friendly working time as well as mobile working possibilities (up to 40% of your hours)
• Attractive working space in an old industrial building at the vibrant EUREF-Campus in Berlin
• Participation in employee retirement provision

The MCC values a collaborative workplace environment that values diversity, tolerance, and equity. We aim to improve the share of women especially in leadership positions and especially welcome applications by women. MCC provides an exciting, collaborative, interdisciplinary and international research and working atmosphere. You find more information on our equal-opportunity strategy here.

Appointment terms and application:

We seek to start the position as soon as possible, the position is funded for three years and paid in accordance with German public tariff scheme, salary group E13 TV-L (full position).

For application please send an e-mail with the reference number as subject PD_2023_05 to Franziska Faber, jobs@mcc-berlin.net, with an electronic application that should contain the following in one single pdf file:

• • Motivation letter (max 1 page)
  • Curriculum Vitae, mentioning two academic references
  • One academic paper
  • Transcript of records and certificates on Master and PhD level

Review of applications will start from October 16, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for a job interview. For content-related questions you can contact Nicolas Koch: koch@mcc-berlin.net.

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