Research Associate for the Project “Extreme Adaptation to Climate Change” as part of the Cluste[...]

Research Associate for the Project “Extreme Adaptation to Climate Change” as part of the Cluster of Excellence \’Climate, Climatic Change, and Society\‘ (CLICCS) at the University of Hamburg § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

InstitutionCluster of Excellence „Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS)“ (climate research), Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences

Start date01.04.2026, fixed until 31.03.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Scope of workpart-time

Weekly hours65 % of standard work hours per week

The Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS) investigates climate dynamics and climate-related social dynamics, as well as the interactions between the two. To this end, we are looking for colleagues from a wide range of disciplines, including the natural sciences as well as the social sciences. We are proud to work together in a truly integrating manner. Our partners, e.g. the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Helmholtz Centre Hereon or the German Climate Computing Centre are also hiring. All jobs: https://www.cliccs.uni-hamburg.de/career/jobs.html

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

• You will actively contribute to a comprehensive, interdisciplinary analysis of extreme strategies of adaptation around the world. In this context, you will conduct independent research on topics such as governmental responses to rising sea levels or extreme heat; conflicts surrounding extreme adaptation measures; impacts on vulnerable groups; or societal debates over what to preserve or relinquish in the face of severe climate change scenarios.
• You will systematize research findings and develop conceptualizations for different forms of extreme adaptation.
• You will take an active role in planning and implementing project activities, including workshops, colloquia, and joint publications.
• You will present your research findings at specialist conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed journals, as well as in relevant policy formats where appropriate.

The interdisciplinary research project A4 ‘Extreme Adaptation to Climate Change’ investigates how societies worldwide are anticipating, negotiating and confronting the challenges of severe climate change scenarios today. It focuses on ‘extreme’ adaptation strategies: planned, future-oriented, and drastic responses to the climate crisis devised and implemented collectively (e.g. by states, international organizations, community organizers). The project aims to examine these responses’ social acceptance, conflicts, and impacts in a wider of context of inequality and marginalization.

We are seeking a highly motivated doctoral researcher with a background in the social sciences and/or the humanities to join our interdisciplinary project. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute key insights into our comprehensive analysis of extreme adaptation strategies that develop practical solutions to worsening conditions of inhabitation. The doctoral researcher will work ethnographically and collaboratively (including through participant observation, thick description, semi-structured interviews, oral history, and participatory action-research methods) among and with communities involved in and/or affected by such solutions. The main aim is to investigate the unequal redistribution of vulnerability characterizing these solutions and the new conflicts they trigger.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

• You have a very good university degree or another degree relevant to the position (political science, peace and conflict studies, (critical) security studies, sociology, human geography or similar). Your master’s degree in a relevant field has been completed or is currently being finalized.
• You have the potential to demonstrate your academic expertise in the broader research field of climate adaptation through high-quality peer-reviewed academic publications.
• You have experience in theoretical/desk research and various qualitative research methods, including interviews, ethnographic or participatory action research. Experience in research about, among and with communities subjected to inequalities of various kinds is advantageous.
• You have excellent written and oral English language skills. Good German language skills are an advantage but not a requirement.
• You are an excellent team player: Communication skills, team orientation and initiative are required.
• International research experience, networking skills, and experience working with interdisciplinary teams are desirable.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

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