Research Associate for the Project “CLICCS”

InstitutionFaculty of Humanities, Department of Studies in Culture and Arts, Cluster of Excellence „Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS)“ (climate research)

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date01.10.2026, fixed until 30.09.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline20.08.2026

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: www.cliccs.uni-hamburg.de/jobs

Your responsibilities

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

Doctoral candidates are members of the structured doctoral program of the School of Integrated Climate and Earth System Sciences (SICSS), which provides high-quality, interdisciplinary, and internationally oriented training.

The main responsibility is to conduct an ethnographic case study on how communities in the drylands of southern Africa (preferably Namibia or South Africa) perceive and react to climate change, and to publish the results in a monograph as part of a PhD. Particular emphasis should be given to knowledge and practices relating to soils, including indigenous and/or permaculture perspectives. Additionally, the candidate is expected to contribute to joint publications within the team, addressing the overarching aim of investigating how people in different contexts react emotionally to climate change, and the consequences of these reactions.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

The university degree must be in anthropology, knowledge of climate change anthropology and an interest in psychological anthropology. Knowledge of the regional context in which the candidate proposes to conduct their research and experience of ethnographic methods and fieldwork.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• 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.

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

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements (background check and data protection information).

Instructions for applying

Contact

Prof. Dr. Michael Schnegg

michael.schnegg@uni-hamburg.de

+49 40 23952-7915

Reference number

223

Location

Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1

20146 Hamburg

Application deadline

20.08.2026 Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV
• project proposal (max 2 pages)
• electronic copy of MA-thesis
• copies of degree certificate(s)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to bewerbungen@uni-hamburg.de.

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