PhD Position in Climate Policy Evaluation, Political Economy and Development Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany

The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) is offering a PhD position in the research department Climate Economics and Policy, located at the EUREF Campus in Berlin-Schöneberg. This opportunity is embedded in the working group 'Political Economy of Climate Policies' led by Prof. Dr. Jan Steckel, who is also a Professor at TU Munich’s School of Social Sciences and Technology. The position is part of the 'EVIDENCE' project, which focuses on 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 TU Munich’s graduate programme. Key responsibilities include co-designing research methodologies to study the political economy of climate mitigation policies in LMICs, with a focus on the private sector and political elites, conducting econometric and experimental analyses, writing research papers as part of a dissertation, translating research insights into policy-relevant formats, and presenting findings at international conferences and in academic journals. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Economics or quantitative Political Science, a strong quantitative background with experience in causal inference using panel data, and proficiency in Stata, R, or Python. Experience with survey experiments and research in LMICs is advantageous. The position offers a stimulating interdisciplinary environment, a lively PhD student community, flexible working arrangements, collective pay scheme, and a subsidized travel card. PIK values equality and diversity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women and parents returning from parental leave. The position is funded for three years at 75% of the E13 salary according to the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), contingent upon funding approval. Applications should be submitted via the online form by 10 December 2025. For further information, candidates may contact Johannes Gallé.