The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) is an award-winning, independent global non-profit research organization dedicated to supporting the effective design and implementation of policies that address the impacts of the global transportation sector on climate change and public health. At the ICCT, we provide high-quality, timely, data-driven research to public officials at all levels of government—city, state, national, regional, and international—as well as to civil society and the media. Our mission-driven and culturally diverse workplace values intelligence, flexibility, transparency, and good humor.
We are pleased to announce an immediate opening for a highly dedicated and motivated Researcher to support ICCT’s work on road transport electrification, fleet economics, and fiscal policy analysis in Europe. A central focus of the position will be understanding the business models, cost structures, and decision-making processes of fleet and logistics operators, and how fiscal and non-fiscal policies influence their transition toward zero-emission technologies. The position will contribute to ICCT’s work on the Corporate Fleets Initiative, the EU CO₂ standards for heavy-duty vehicles, and complementary measures that enable fleet decarbonization across Europe.
The position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of transport economics, fleet operations, and policymaking, by conducting robust research and modeling on total cost of ownership (TCO), developing policy recommendations, and communicating actionable findings to regulators, industry, and other stakeholders.
The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of fleet operations, knowledge of the European policy and fiscal landscape, strong analytical skills, fluency in written and spoken English, and a demonstrated interest in accelerating the clean-energy transition in the road transport sector.
Position Levels:
You will:
- Analyze the total cost of ownership (TCO) of zero-emission fleets and compare them with conventional vehicles across different use cases and business models.
- Evaluate fiscal and non-fiscal policy instruments—such as taxation, subsidies, tolling, and access regulations—and their impact on fleet electrification decisions.
- Assess market data on registrations, usage patterns, and fleet composition to identify cost and infrastructure barriers to zero-emission adoption.
- Write clear and concise technical reports, policy briefs, and articles including informative but easy-to-understand figures to summarize ICCT’s research for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Collaborate effectively with the ICCT team in Europe and worldwide, as well as with external partners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
You have:
Associate Researcher Level:
- A bachelor’s or master's degree in environmental science, engineering, environmental policy or related discipline, in addition to at least two years of related experience, or alternatively a PhD degree.
Researcher Level
- A master’s or PhD degree in engineering, environmental science, environmental policy, energy and resources, or another relevant subject, in addition to at least three years of related experience.
Required for Both Levels:
- A strong understanding of commercial vehicle technology, fleet operations, and total cost of ownership (TCO) modeling for fleets.
- Familiarity with fiscal and regulatory instruments influencing fleet decisions, such as vehicle taxation, ETS2, Eurovignette, or fleet incentive programs.
- Excellent research, analytical, and quantitative skills, with strong written and verbal communication skills and high emotional intelligence.
- Excellent proficiency in data analysis, including programming skills (required); experience in economic or cost modeling for vehicles and fleets (desirable).
- The ability to work independently with limited supervision, being highly organized, self-directed, creative, and strategic in problem-solving.
- Fluency in English (required), plus other European languages (desired).
- Availability for occasional national and international travel.
What we offer:
This position is based in Germany. Our preference is for the candidate to work out of our office in the heart of Berlin, Germany. However, following an initial orientation training, we also provide the opportunity for the candidate to work from anywhere else within Germany or Sweden, with the requirement to regularly visit the Berlin office. This position offers an annual starting of (Researcher) 84,000 Euro (40 hours/week, if working from Germany) or (Associate Researcher) 70,000 Euro (40 hours/week if working from Germany), depending on your level of experience. Specific combinations of academic degrees and highly relevant work experience will be considered when deciding whether the candidate is suitable for the Associate or Researcher level. We offer an initial 2-year contract, with the possibility of extension depending on organizational resources and performance. The ICCT provides an excellent benefits package including hybrid/remote work flexibilities, transportation subsidies, professional development opportunities, and other benefits.
Application
To apply, please submit a resume (please refrain from submitting a photograph), cover letter indicating your interest, two writing samples or relevant technical research publications primarily written by the applicant (in English), and the names and contact information of three professional or academic references (as well as any reference letters available). Please include your ideal start date. The position will remain open until filled.
We are committed to equal employment opportunities, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We take pride in being an equal-opportunity workplace.
