Research Associate (PhD student) for the Project “Scale interactions in a warming Arctic” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
InstitutionCluster of Excellence „Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS)“ (climate research)
Salary level
Start date01.01.2026 or soon thereafter, fixed for a period of three years (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline14.11.2025
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. 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:
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.
Successful candidates will carry out work within the project “Scale interaction in a warming Arctic” of the Excellence Cluster Climate, Climatic Change and Society. Project results can be used in the context of a doctorate. Within this project, the candidate will quantify the long-term global impacts of the interactions between small-scale surface heterogeneity and weather extremes in the Arctic. In particular, the candidate will compare how these interactions influence the response to global warming of permafrost with its rather long memory and of sea ice with its rather short memory by combining insights from large-scale earth system modelling and observations.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field.
An MSc in physical earth-system science, physics or an adjacent field, and knowledge of a modern computer language is mandatory. Knowledge of dynamical systems, permafrost and sea-ice physics, and experience in the analysis of large-scale earth system model output and remote-sensing data are desirable.
We offer
1. Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
2. Continuing education opportunities
3. University pensions
4. Attractive location
5. Flexible working hours
6. Work-life balance opportunities
7. Health management, EGYM Wellpass
8. Educational leave
9. 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.