[voew-listserver] Job openings at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)

  • From: bernd.siebenhuener@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • To: voew-listserver@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2005 15:32:19 +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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