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 ISIMIP team, PIK is offering a

in the field of climate impact modeling, starting as soon as possible, latest on 01.02.2026.

The position is funded for 24 months, with the intention to be extended depending on the success of submitted funding proposals. 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 per week. The position can be filled on a part-time basis.

The Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP) is a leading global climate impact modeling initiative, coordinated by PIK. ISIMIP

As the team lead of the ISIMIP data team (3 members), you will coordinate and prioritize team tasks, ensure smooth communication with the project’s scientific lead, and collaborate with ISIMIP scientists.

• Working with climate forcing and impact data, improving data quality methods, and developing new database components for impact attribution.
• Overseeing the ISIMIP digital ecosystem, including:
  • Website (isimip.org)
  • Toolset (isimip-files-api)
  • Data portal (isimip-data)
  • Protocol (isimip-protocol-3)
  • Connection to the outreach platform ISIpedia

You’re encouraged to bring your own ideas - e.g. using existing data to improve QC of new submissions, or linking evaluation studies to datasets - to shape your focus area and contribute to publications.

Key responsibilities: 

• coordinate and manage the data flows between the modeling teams and the ISIMIP data management team,
• interact with the modeling teams taking part in ISIMIP (e.g. model documentation, licensing),
• supervise the curation of the ISIMIP data repository and communicate changes and caveats of the provided data,
• process and provide ISIMIP simulation data and formats as requested by project partners,
• attend project meetings and write or contribute to project reports and deliverables, develop further data management tools and processes to improve the ISIMIP data submission and publication work flow
• build and event-based impact evaluation and attribution database
• integrate observed impact data
• define data and publication formats
• developing matching algorithms for simulated vs. observed data
• supporting proposal writing to secure future project funding

• sound communication and project management skills
• strong programming experience (e.g. Python, Linux Bash scripting, CDO).
• expertise in processing large-scale data sets, especially NetCDF files, is a plus
• specialist knowledge in either data curation or development of databases is highly welcome

• the ability to work independently and on your own initiative
• a methodical and systematic approach
• an efficient work organization and goal-oriented thinking
• capacity to familiarize yourself quickly with new topics
• creativity and openness to new approaches
• a high level of competence in oral and written English 
• reliability, engagement, and a high level of motivation
• capacity for teamwork

• the chance to be part of an engaged, 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
• 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 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 07.12.2025 directly via our application form below this job advertisement on our website. The application process remains open until the position is filled.

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 Katja Frieler, or Lisa Novak.