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 of Climate Economics and Policy, located at the EUREF Campus in Berlin-Schöneberg. This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in the evaluation of climate policy, political economy, and development, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The position is embedded in the EVIDENCE project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and aims to provide evidence-based research on climate policy reforms for policy-based lending in LMICs.

The successful candidate will join 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 PhD student will be enrolled in the graduate programme at TU Munich, benefiting from a collaborative and transdisciplinary research environment and a vibrant community of PhD students at PIK.

Key responsibilities include co-designing research methodologies to study the political economy of climate mitigation policies, conducting econometric and experimental analyses, writing research papers as part of the dissertation, translating research insights into policy-relevant formats, and presenting findings at international conferences. The research will focus on the role of the private sector and political elites in climate policy in LMICs.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Economics, quantitative Political Science, or a related field, with a strong quantitative background and experience in causal inference using panel data. Proficiency in Stata, R, or Python for econometric analysis is required. Experience with survey experiments and research in LMICs is advantageous. The position values independence, creativity, systematic thinking, and teamwork.

The position is funded for three years at 75% of the E13 salary level according to the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), with associated benefits and a subsidized travel card. Flexible and mobile working arrangements are available. PIK is committed to equality and diversity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, especially women and parents returning from leave.

Applications should be submitted by 10 December 2025 via the application form linked in the job advertisement. For further information or to discuss the position, candidates may contact Johannes Gallé. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful climate policy research within a leading international institute.