The Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC) is seeking a post-doctoral researcher to work on the RIVET project funded by FORMAS Sweden.
This project is a collaboration between Dr. Henrik Thorén, project leader (Lund University), Dr. Martin Kowarsch (MCC), and Dr. Dominic Lenzi (MCC/University of Twente).
RIVET Project:
Climate economists use a wide array of models to explore the impacts and damages of climate change, and the merits of different mitigation policies and strategies. In the Rivet project, we ask: what are the normative assumptions in these models? How are these assumptions selected over others, and what are their limitations? And what alternative assumptions and approaches to diverse normative viewpoints are available? The major purpose of this project is to develop a deliberative approach to the integration of diverse normative viewpoints in model-based climate economics in order to improve decision-making. The project is structured around three work-packages (WPs). WP1 is a large and interdisciplinary literature review coupled with an interview study targeting modelers and experts that seeks to identify central normative assumptions in climate economic modelling. WP2 (led by the MCC) involves the designing of a deliberative and practical approach for integrating divergent values at the science-policy interface, and WP3 involves facilitating the transdisciplinary aims of the project through continual and close interactions with stakeholders.
Position requirements
We are looking for talented and enthusiastic individuals with a strong interest in the project. If you fit some of the requirements well but not others, we would still encourage you to apply or inquire with us:
- PhD in philosophy, or social sciences, or economics
- Methodological background and expertise relevant to the project tasks, particularly concerning climate economics and deliberation
- Excellent scientific track record
- Active interest in ethics, value research and climate policy – relevant scientific publications in these fields are an additional asset
- Strong motivation
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, including also communication skills
- Team orientation as well as written and oral fluency in English.
We are especially interested in applications with one of the following academic backgrounds:
(1) philosophy of science, focusing upon climate economics/deliberative valuation
(2) environmental or ecological economics, with a focus upon deliberative valuation
(3) climate ethics, and a strong grounding in climate economics and deliberative democracy
Researchers whose profiles fit one of these descriptions are strongly encouraged to apply. Researchers with other profiles they believe relevant to the project are also welcome to apply.
The closing date for applications is November 26, 2021.
Appointment terms:
Envisaged start date is 1 January 2022, but would also consider excellent candidates who wish to begin later. The position is funded for 30 months. Remuneration is in accordance with German public tariff scheme, salary group E13 TV-L. For candidates with outstanding qualifications and sufficient job experience, salary group E14 TV-L would be possible over 24 months.
To apply, please send an e-mail with the reference number as subject PD_2021_10 to Mrs. Franziska Faber, jobs@mcc-berlin.net, with an electronic application by Friday, 26 November 2021.
This should contain the following in one single pdf file:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae, mentioning two academic references
- One representative academic paper
- Copies of relevant qualifications
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for a job interview. For content-related questions, please contact Dr. Martin Kowarsch, kowarsch@mcc-berlin.net.
The full position description is available at this link: https://www.mcc-berlin.net/fileadmin/data/C11_Stellenausschreibungen/PD_2021_10_Postdoc_RIVET.pdf