Application Guide

How to Apply for Postdoctoral Fellow - Climate Modelling and Impact Assessment

at Stockholm Environment Institute

🏢 About Stockholm Environment Institute

The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is unique as an international research organization that bridges science and policy to drive sustainable development, with SEI Africa specifically focusing on collaborative, context-sensitive work with African partners. Working here offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in environmental decision-making while being part of a globally respected institute that values interdisciplinary approaches and real-world impact.

About This Role

This Postdoctoral Fellow role involves conducting advanced climate modelling and impact assessment research while actively supporting collaboration with African organizations on environmental and development challenges. The position is impactful because it directly contributes to SEI Africa's mission of addressing key environmental issues through science-policy engagement and capacity building across the continent.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing climate model outputs to assess regional impacts, participating in virtual meetings with African partner organizations to discuss research collaboration, and contributing to research papers or policy briefs that translate scientific findings into actionable recommendations. You'd likely balance independent modelling work with team coordination across time zones and stakeholder engagement.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Stockholm Environment Institute Is Looking For

  • A recent PhD graduate in climate science or environmental science with hands-on experience in climate modelling (e.g., using regional climate models or downscaling techniques) and impact assessment methodologies
  • Someone with demonstrated knowledge of African environmental and development contexts, possibly through fieldwork, research collaborations, or regional policy engagement
  • A researcher with strong analytical skills who can translate complex climate data into actionable insights for sustainable development
  • A collaborative professional who thrives in interdisciplinary teams and has experience or strong interest in working with African networks and organizations

📝 Tips for Applying to Stockholm Environment Institute

1

Explicitly mention specific climate modelling tools or software you've used (e.g., CMIP6 models, regional climate models like RegCM or WRF, statistical downscaling methods) in your CV

2

Highlight any direct experience working with African institutions, researchers, or communities in your application materials

3

Tailor your research statement to align with SEI Africa's current projects on environmental challenges - review their recent publications on topics like climate adaptation, water resources, or food security in Africa

4

Demonstrate your understanding of both the scientific and policy dimensions of climate impact assessment by discussing how your research could inform decision-making

5

If you have remote collaboration experience, emphasize this since the position is remote but requires coordination with teams across time zones

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with climate modelling methodologies and how they apply to African contexts', 'Examples of collaborative work with African organizations or researchers, highlighting relationship-building skills', "How your research interests align with SEI Africa's focus areas (check their current projects on their website)", 'Your ability to communicate complex climate science to diverse stakeholders, including policymakers and community organizations']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → SEI Africa's current projects and publications - particularly those related to climate adaptation, water resources, or sustainable development in African contexts
  • → SEI's organizational structure and how the Africa centre collaborates with other SEI centres globally
  • → Recent SEI policy engagements in Africa (check their policy briefs and stakeholder workshops)
  • → The specific African networks and partners SEI Africa frequently collaborates with

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through a specific climate modelling project you've conducted and how you validated your results
2 How would you approach building collaborative relationships with African research institutions remotely?
3 Discuss a current environmental challenge in Africa and how climate modelling could inform policy responses
4 How do you ensure your impact assessments are contextually relevant and useful for local decision-makers?
5 Describe your experience working in interdisciplinary teams and how you handle differing methodological approaches
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic climate science research statements without tailoring to African contexts or SEI's mission
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of how climate modelling connects to real-world policy and development challenges
  • Overlooking the collaborative aspect of the role by focusing solely on individual research achievements without mentioning partnership experience

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Stockholm Environment Institute!

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