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 Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition (SP-GET) project PIK is offering a position as
Policy Research Analyst (m/f/d)
(Position number: 27-2026 Research Analyst SP-GET)
starting in October 2026.
The position is funded for a year. Remuneration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), salary group E 13. This is a part-time position with a working time of 30 hours per week.
Key responsibilities:
- Support the Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition (SP-GET) including internal and external coordination of processes, preparations of meetings and contacts with panel members and other stakeholders. In this role, you would work closely with the SP-GET leadership (Prof. Dr. Elmar Kriegler (Research Department 3 at PIK), Prof. Gilberto Jannuzzi (University of Campinas), Dr. Vera Songwe (Africa Growth Initiative)) and staff working at the science-policy interface at PIK, especially the Policy Unit. SP-GET is conceived as an independent, global science support function that provides authoritative, policy-relevant scientific knowledge to support the global energy transition away from fossil fuels.
- Conduct literature reviews, synthesize scientific publications, and analyze datasets and policy documents to support the development of scientific assessments and policy-relevant outputs with a focus on the global energy transition. [This will include the analysis of key documents by governments, multilateral organisations, and other stakeholders.]
- Support the drafting of reports, briefing notes, policy briefs, presentations, and other communication materials for scientific and policy audiences.
- Engage in stakeholder dialogues and outreach with climate policymakers.
Requirements:
- University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, economics, public policy, international relations, energy engineering, climate science or a related field.
- Good understanding of international climate and energy policy processes and the associated climate and energy transition science.
- Excellent analytical and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize scientific information for policy audiences.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
We expect:
- Ability to translate scientific findings into concise, policy-relevant formats and recommendations.
- Ability to coordinate international projects and stakeholder.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including experience engaging with diverse stakeholder groups.
- High degree of initiative, reliability, and ability to work independently.
- Experience in organizing and moderating events.
- High motivation to work on climate protection and sustainable development issues
- Collaborative and team-oriented working style.
- Willingness to undertake occasional international travel for conferences, workshops and partner engagement activities.
We offer:
- Creative Collaboration: Be part of an engaged, dynamic, interdisciplinary and international team.
- Top Research: Working in an interdisciplinary environment with a variety of top scientists across the Potsdam Institute and beyond on the critical questions in international climate policies and energy transition
- Global Impact: Play a key role in developing a panel that supports the global energy transition away from fossil fuels.
- Engagement Opportunities: Connect directly with stakeholders and provide highlevel policy advice, turning research into actionable change.
- A Beautiful Setting: Work in a stimulating environment on Potsdam’s stunning, historic Telegrafenberg campus, just a short commute from Berlin.
- Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy flexible hours and the option for mobile working (up to 50% of your time).
- Competitive Compensation: Receive a collective pay scheme and associated benefits, including a subsidized travel card or Deutschland-Ticket Job.
- Paid vacation: 30 days of paid vacation
- Free charging: opportunity to charge e-bikes for free on the Telegrafenberg Campus
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 16.08.2026 directly via our application form below this job advertisement on our website.
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 Adrian Heilemann.
