[voew-listserver] 8 Vacancies at PIK

  • From: bernd.siebenhuener@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • To: voew-listserver@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Tue, 18 Oct 2005 19:13:02 +0200

Job openings at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)

The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) was founded in 1992 and now employs around 140 people from a range of natural and social science disciplines. Primarily through data analysis, computer simulation and modelling, we study global change and its impacts on ecological, economic and social systems, and provide decision-makers with sound information and tools for sustainable development.

We are looking for five PhD students and three post-docs to work with us on a number of issues related to climate change vulnerability, adaptation and mitigation. The sources of funding for these positions are the European Commission through its collaborative projects ADAM (Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies: Supporting European Climate Policy) and NeWater (New Approaches to Adaptive Water Management under Uncertainty), the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. Positions are available in four research activities, as follows:

A Formal Framework of Vulnerability

1. PhD student, mathematics, theoretical computer science, mathematical economics or a related field (BAT-O IIa/2, full time, ref. kl/05/01). The position involves extending a systems-theoretical framework of vulnerability by formalising additional related concepts (e.g., risk, resilience) and describing the cases of stochastic, differentiable and other types of dynamics. Also important will be the application of control theory and optimisation to the analysis of vulnerability assessments. The student will work towards the design and implementation of software components based on the formal concepts developed.
2. PhD student, human geography, anthropology, economics or other relevant social science discipline (BAT-O IIa/2, full time, ref. kl/05/02). The student will analyse existing vulnerability studies so as to provide an empirical and conceptual basis for the development and application of a formal framework of vulnerability. S/he will link vulnerability to climate change with vulnerability to poverty and natural hazards, and contribute to computer-aided presentation techniques to present results of vulnerability studies to stakeholders. This position requires analytical skills and skills in logic, as well as advanced computer literacy. Practical experience in knowledge elicitation and/or fieldwork experience is an advantage.
3. PhD student, computer science, information science or a related field (BAT-O IIa/2, full time, ref. kl/05/03). Based on the formal framework of vulnerability, the task will be to develop and apply software components for vulnerability assessment. Work will include the analysis of (computational) methods and tools currently in use in vulnerability assessment, and the integration of knowledge from different natural and social science disciplines. Previous exposure to, and experience with, ecology, geography, economics and related disciplines is therefore required, as well as excellent technical skills to design and implement software. Experience in computer modelling is an advantage.


Adaptation Policy Analysis and Development

4. Post-doc (BAT-O IIa, full time, ref. kl/05/04). The post-doc will analyse opportunities to create synergies between European post-Kyoto climate policy and international development assistance with respect to adaptation and natural disaster risk reduction. S/he will aim to provide strategic options for mainstreaming and restructuring development assistance, such that it promotes adaptation to climate change in ways that are acceptable to the donor and recipient communities. The research will be carried out together with developing-country partners and engage developing-country stakeholders. The successful candidate will have a PhD or equivalent research experience in political science, economics, development studies or a related discipline, be familiar with the UNFCCC and post-Kyoto process, and have affinity with environment-development issues in developing countries. Project development experience is an advantage, as the post-doc will be expected to initiate new research.

Mitigation Strategies in Climate Policy

5. Post-doc, macro-economics (BAT-O IIa, full time, ref. oe/05/01). The post-doc will make a significant contribution to the development and empirical foundation of a computer model designed to analyse European and global post-Kyoto mitigation policies. A major focus will be on interactions between world regions (e.g., foreign investments, capital and trading flows) and the modelling of international energy and resource markets. Work will also include data management and model calibration. The successful applicant will have a PhD or equivalent research experience in applied econometrics, international economics and/or development economics. Programming and computer modelling skills are required. Project development experience is an advantage.
6. Post-doc, economics or applied mathematics (BAT-O IIa, full time, ref. oe/05/02). The post-doc will make a significant contribution to the development and empirical foundation of a computer model that is designed to analyse European and global post-Kyoto mitigation policies. A major focus will be on modelling interactions between economic growth and climate policies. Related research will deal with endogenous technological change and include analysis of the role of policy instruments that simultaneously help to mitigate climate change and support innovation, competitiveness and economic growth. This position requires expertise in endogenous economic growth theory and dynamic general equilibrium theory. Profound knowledge in numerical mathematics and optimisation methods as well as programming skills are expected. Project development experience is an advantage.
7. PhD student, economics, system science or applied mathematics (BAT-O IIa/2, 18 months with the possibility of extension, full time, ref. oe/05/03). The PhD student will contribute to the assessment of climate stabilisation scenarios. Related modelling aspects concern economic growth, mitigation costs, international burden sharing, technology transfer, learning and spillovers, support of renewable energies, and policy instruments. Work will include data gathering and management, model calibration and running of model experiments. This position requires solid knowledge in dynamic economic theory, systems theory and statistics. Furthermore, experience in the application of mathematical methods and programming skills are expected. An extension of the two-year contracts is intended. Support will be given in preparing and finishing a dissertation.


Dynamic Stochastic Optimisation

8. PhD student, economics (BAT IIa/2, 48 months, full time, ref. cj/05/01). We are looking for a student with a passion for modelling who enjoys teamwork and is interested in doing research that is both technically sweet and socially useful. Requirements: good understanding of general equilibrium theory, excellent programming skills, familiarity with a non-orthodox approach to economics and with an abstract mathematical subject.


All positions above require excellent oral and written presentation skills, fluency in English, a willingness to do interdisciplinary research in an international working environment, the ability to work both in a team and independently, and the ability to travel. Positions 1-6 are subject to final project approval by the EU and will be offered for 18 months initially, with the possibility of extension. PIK values diversity and therefore encourages applications from women, disabled people and minority groups. The working languages at PIK are English and German.


More information on PIK can be found at http://www.pik-potsdam.de/. Information on positions 1-4 can be obtained from Dr. Richard Klein (tel. +49 331 2882651, e-mail richard.klein@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx), on positions 5-7 from Dr. Ottmar Edenhofer (tel. +49 331 2882565, e-mail ottmar.edenhofer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx) and on position 8 from Prof. Dr. Carlo Jaeger (tel. +49 331 2882602, e-mail carlo.jaeger@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx).

Applications should be written in English and arrive at PIK as soon as possible but no later than 12 November 2005. They should indicate the position’s reference number and be directed to:

Prof. Dr. H.-J. Schellnhuber, Director
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
P.O. Box 601203, D-14412 Potsdam, Germany



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