Fleet Electrification and Fiscal Policy Researcher (Multiple Levels), Germany

About the ICCT

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.

Position Overview

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

• Associate Researcher
• Researcher

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

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

• Position based in Germany. Preference for Berlin office, with flexibility for remote work within Germany or Sweden after initial training, requiring regular visits to the Berlin office.
• Annual starting salary: (Researcher) 84,000 Euro (40 hours/week, if working from Germany) or (Associate Researcher) 70,000 Euro (40 hours/week if working from Germany). Salary depends on experience and level.
• Initial 2-year contract, with possibility of extension.
• Excellent benefits package including hybrid/remote work flexibilities, transportation subsidies, and professional development opportunities.

Application Process

• Submit a resume (no photograph), cover letter, two writing samples or relevant technical research publications (primarily by applicant, in English), and three professional/academic references (with reference letters if available).
• Include your ideal start date.
• Position open until filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.