Research Analyst – Science synthesis and capacity building (f/d/m)
Summary
The Research Analyst will synthesize complex climate science for policymakers and negotiators, while building capacity and fostering expert networks in SIDS and LDCs. The role involves working across interdisciplinary teams to support IPCC and UNFCCC processes through rigorous scientific communication and project management.
About the Team
The Earth System Science and 1.5°C Overshoot Team is Climate Analytics’ scientific home for climate science on 1.5°C overshoot, specifically in relation to physical climate science to support quantitative climate risk assessment, climate assessment of emissions pathways and scenarios, and climate impacts emulation. The team connects global emissions pathways and policy choices in the mitigation space to climate system change and regional and sectoral risks, to produce decision-relevant scientific information to support policy, climate risk assessments, adaptation, and loss and damage strategies. It provides the scientific foundation for Climate Analytics’ work on the climate system and impact implications of 1.5°C overshoot and options to limit this and get back below 1.5°C before 2100, and the interpretation of emerging science for policy and implementation.
The Earth System Science and 1.5°C Overshoot Team and the Impacts, Adaptation and Loss and Damage Team are expected to work in very close collaboration as one integrated science function. The Heads of these teams are jointly responsible for developing a coherent science agenda, research pipeline and a set of methods that connect earth-system modeling, climate scenarios and climate indices with sectoral and systemic risk, adaptation potential and limits, and loss and damage science and strategies.
The team is expected to work in partnership with the Climate Policy Team, Diplomacy team, Implementation Strategies team and regional offices, to ensure that Climate Analytics’ work is grounded in the best available physical climate science. As the world enters a period of likely overshoot, the team’s mandate is to deliver agile but rigorous science that informs ambitious global climate action, supports vulnerable countries and counters scientific misinformation.
About the Position
We are seeking a Research Analyst for our international and diverse team to engage at the interface of climate science, policy, and diplomacy. You will work across Climate Analytics teams and regional offices and with stakeholders in SIDS and LDCs on IPCC and UNFCCC science matters, fostering networks, building long-term capacities, and developing rigorous science synthesis products. Ideally you will be familiar with a broad range of thematic areas including physical climate science, impacts, adaptation, loss and damage, and mitigation, and have an understanding of policy needs and science communication.
Your responsibilities
Scientific synthesis and policy support
- Translate complex scientific concepts, findings, and debates into clear, accessible, and actionable insights for different stakeholder groups, particularly climate negotiators and policymakers
- Engage on climate science matters of high policy relevance with stakeholders from SIDS and LDCs in the context of the IPCC and UNFCCC
Capacity strengthening and expert networks
- Develop and implement approaches that build long-term capacities for the engagement in the IPCC with stakeholders in SIDS and LDCs
- Map and foster diverse regional networks, conduct outreach, and support coordination with stakeholders from science and policy communities in SIDS and LDCs
- Co-design virtual and in-person workshops and exchanges in relation to the IPCC AR7 process together with national and regional partners and regional Climate Analytics offices
Project delivery and organisational contributions
- Proactively shape processes and tasks and share in the responsibility for timely and high-quality project delivery
- As part of the new Climate Analytics Earth System Science and 1.5°C Overshoot Team, work closely across teams, particularly the new Impacts, Adaptation and Loss & Damage Team, Climate Diplomacy Team, Climate Policy Team, as well as Climate Analytics regional offices
- Contribute to knowledge management, learning, and monitoring and evaluation activities relevant to the role
- Contribute to strategic discussions and positioning as well as identification and development of funding opportunities relevant to the role
- Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., climate science, environmental science, geography, public policy, international relations). Candidates from public policy or international relations backgrounds should demonstrate substantial experience working with and synthesising climate science.
- At least five years of relevant working experience
- Strong subject-matter expertise of at least one of the three focus areas of the IPCC Working Groups (physical science basis; impacts, adaptation and vulnerability; mitigation) and at least general knowledge of all three
- Experience working at the science-policy/diplomacy interface and/or with science communication
- Experience engaging with diverse stakeholder groups (governments, scientific institutions, regional organisations) and delivering capacity-strengthening, training or facilitated multi-stakeholder processes, with diplomatic sensitivity for international and multicultural contexts
- Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team, manage priorities and deadlines, and cope with periods of high workload
- Willingness to travel internationally throughout the year
- Excellent written and spoken English skills
Desirable
- Experience with IPCC processes and/or UNFCCC processes and climate negotiations
- Experience working with/in SIDS and LDCs
- Additional languages, especially French, are an asset
A job with purpose. You will work as part of an international and highly engaged team, contributing your skills and expertise to make a positive contribution to our work in the field of climate change. We are a diverse and inclusive team and welcome your application regardless of your gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any other aspect that makes you unique.
Our office is located near Moritzplatz in the heart of Kreuzberg. In addition, following benefits are offered:
- Fully funded Germany-wide public transport ticket
- 40 € monthly company contribution to Urban Sports Club membership
- Online mental health and wellbeing platform
- Free German language classes
- Bike rental discount
- Optional company pension plan
- Hybrid office policy and flexible start time
Conditions
- Application deadline: 14 Sep 2026
- Starting date: As soon as possible after application deadline
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Terms: We are looking for a long-term collaboration. Currently we can offer a fixed-term contract for 2 years, with the perspective of extension based on performance and funding.
- Remuneration: 52,353.00€ - 57,719.00€ annual gross. Placement on the Climate Analytics remuneration scale will be based on relevant experience and qualifications.
Please apply by the 14 Sep 2026 with your CV (not including a photo), a cover letter that speaks to how your profile matches the responsibilities of the role, and a list of three references. Please indicate in your cover letter your earliest possible start date and your salary expectations.
Please use PDF format exclusively using the application form. Applications by email or by post can unfortunately not be processed.