Research Analyst/Research Software Engineer at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (Germany)
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 Energy Transition Lab in Research Department 3 – Transformation Pathways – PIK is offering a
Research Analyst and Research Software Engineer postion (m/f/d)
(Position number: 08-2026 Research Analyst and RSE)
in the field of model and code development for the transformation and circularity in energy-intensive industries (steel, cement, and plastics) starting as soon as possible.
The position is initially funded for two years. Extensions are envisaged and rely on new external funding. Remuneration is in accordance with the German public tariff scheme (TV-L Brandenburg), salary group E 13 This is a full-time position with a weekly working time of 40 hours. The position can be filled on a part-time basis.
As a valuable member of our team, your task is to further advance REMIND Materials, the integrated modelling framework, which we use to assess the industry transition of the three basic materials steel, cement, and plastics. It consists of the dynamic material flow analysis model REMIND-MFA, tracking material demand, use, and recycling dynamics, which is coupled to the industry module of the REMIND model, one of the world’s leading integrated energy-economy-climate models informing global climate policy making.
Please note that no first-author publications are planned for this position, as the focus is on model development.
Key responsibilities:
collaborative code development in an interdisciplinary and international team
deriving global, European and German energy transformation pathways with the integrated assessment model REMIND with a focus on industry sectors, material production, hydrogen and trade
understanding circularity through material flow analyses with the REMIND-MFA model, which is coupled to REMIND
further refining our model dynamics and validating our model against newly published empirical data
creating a link between our industry analysts and the research software engineering team
collaboration with national and global modelling teams from around the world in international research projects
communication of research results in stakeholder dialogues with industry actors and policy makers
Requirements:
Master’s Degree or PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Economics, Environmental Sciences, or a related field
excellent analytical skills and interest in theoretical and applied modeling
required: demonstrated programming experience (knowledge of R, Python and/or GAMS would be ideal)
experience with multi-person code development projects and git is a plus
experience with sustainable code development and clean code is a plus
ideally (but not required): Experience with energy systems analysis, material flow analysis or integrated assessment modeling of climate change
We expect:
capacity to collaborate in a team, while progressing independently with own responsibilities
structured, goal-oriented thinking and clear communication
capacity to familiarise yourself quickly with new topics
creativity and openness to new approaches
reliability and a high level of motivation
a high level of competence in oral and written English
We offer:
The chance to be part of a creative, interdisciplinary, international team developing the internationally recognized model REMIND and complementing models.
opportunities for direct stakeholder engagement and high-level policy advise to use your research to make a difference
a stimulating working environment in an internationally recognised research institute on Potsdam’s beautiful, historic Telegrafenberg campus, a short commuting distance from Berlin
company KITA/kids day nursery “Geolino” directly in the science park on Telegrafenberg, within walking distance of PIK
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
free charging stations for e-bikes on 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 directly via our application form below this job advertisement. Applications before 17th March 2026 are certain to be considered. The application process remains open until the position is filled.
Application documents should comprise a letter of motivation, including research interests, a CV with the contact details of two referees, academic transcripts, and a sample of your work (e.g, a thesis or journal publication, GitHub profile and/or code of projects you contributed to, online publication profile, or similar).
If you apply for several positions at PIK, please indicate a preference in your cover letter.
If you hold an international higher education qualification, please also submit the Statement of Comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. In the case that you do not yet have a ZAB Statement of Comparability for your qualification, please be aware that you may need to request this if your application is successful. You can find further information on this website: https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education.html
For further information or to discuss the position please contact Mrs. Leonie Schweiger, Dr. Jakob Dürrwächter or Dr. Lavinia Baumstark.
Link to job posting: https://potsdam.pi-asp.de/bewerber-web/?xsrf=628D909EAFC579D760658AC6D143B4DB&company=PIK-FIRMA-ID&tenant=&lang=E&jobdesign=#position,id=544b4e30-4eec-4075-84e8-0911ea6fac3a,popup=y