Doctoral researcher position on economics of adaptation (m/f/d)

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 the Research Department 2 Climate Resilience, working group Adaptation in Agricultural Systems, PIK is offering a

Doctoral researcher position on economics of adaptation (m/f/d)

(Position number: 70-2024 PhD economics of adaption)

in the field of agricultural economics and/or development economics, starting as soon as possible.

The position is funded for three years. Remuneration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), salary group E 13 with a weekly working time of 30 hours per week.

We are looking for a doctoral researcher to join our team in the field of economics of climate adaptation, using applied econometric techniques, in particular methods for impact evaluation, to assess adaptation measures for agriculture, mainly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Working together with other researchers, governments, and international organizations primarily in sub-Saharan Africa (with occasional projects also in Asia and Latin America), we conduct applied research that can inform policy-making and program design, with the aim to support adaptation to climate change in partner countries. This position will focus on empirically evaluating climate change adaptation strategies in the agricultural sector and studying design options for adaptation incentive structures using experimental and quasi-experimental methods. The work is carried out in cooperation with climate scientists, agricultural modellers and other economists.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct empirical studies on agricultural adaptation to climate change, with a focus on LMICs, using applied econometric techniques.
• Coordinate and contribute to the implementation of research projects through close collaboration with other researchers at PIK as well as the involved stakeholders in the target countries.
• Write and publish articles in peer-reviewed journals that highlight findings from the research projects and present research findings at international conferences.
• Liaise and maintain communication with project donors, responding to information requests, preparing project progress reports and policy briefs.

Requirements:

• You hold a Master’s degree in economics (e. g. agricultural economics or development economics), or related fields with a quantitative, empirical orientation.
• Knowledge and work experience in tropical agriculture, sustainable development, agricultural institutions and/or climate impact analysis is valuable.
• You have experience with applied econometric analyses and are familiar with causal inference approaches.
• You have expertise in data analysis, with programing skills in R or Stata. Experience with other programing languages, GIS and/or remote sensing are valuable.
• Experience with primary data collection is valuable, in particular in experimental settings such as randomized controlled trials or lab-in-the field experiments.
• Experience in project management, and development of research proposals is valuable.
• Work experience in LMICs is desirable, as well as the willingness to travel to these countries.

We expect:

• High interest in teamwork and collaborative research
• High motivation to work on policy-relevant research topics related to sustainable agriculture and development
• The ability to work independently
• You work goal-oriented and on your own initiative
• A methodical and systematic approach
• You have strong analytical and scientific writing skills, excellent communication skills, and you are fluent in oral and written English. Proficiency in French or Portuguese is an asset

We offer:

• Opportunities for cooperation with PIK’s national and international network of leading climate and agricultural research institutes,
• Participation in user-driven research projects with international partners,
• Guidance and supervision in career development,
• The chance to be part of a creative and interdisciplinary team,
• A stimulating working environment in an internationally recognised research institute on Potsdam's beautiful, historic Telegrafenberg campus, a short commuting distance from Berlin, 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 the Deutschland-Ticket Job.

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 05.01.2025 directly using our application form below this job advertisement.

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 Dr. Lisa Murken.

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