Research Associate (Postdoc) on land surface modeling § 28 Subsection 2 HmbHG
InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences, Soil Sciences
Salary level
Start date01.03.2026, 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]). The contract provides for a maximum extension of up to three years depending on the associate’s achievements during the first stage. Providing that a position is available and that requirements have been fulfilled, the associate may apply for temporary civil servant status in accordance with Section 28 subsection 2 HmbHG.
Application deadline25.12.2025
Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time
Your responsibilities
Duties include teaching and research in the respective department or institute. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications as well as acquire teaching experience. These duties are intended to promote academic achievement. Therefore, at least one-third of set working hours will be made available for the associate’s own academic work.
This is a position in the research group “Dynamics of Soil Processes” of the Department of Earth System Sciences. The group combines lab experiments, field work and global modelling with a focus on high-latitude ecosystems. In this position you will contribute to the development of ICON-Land, and facilitate research using the model, i.e. you will develop a research program on ecosystem-climate feedbacks with focus on northern high latitudes and extreme events. For this, you will closely work together with other persons in the group, and other institutions working with the model. In addition, you will initiate new research projects using the model.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.
We are looking for an experienced land surface modeler with documented expertise in high-latitude ecosystems. You are used to program in FORTRAN using a professional version control system, run a land surface model on a supercomputer, facilitate input data, analyse output data, and address scientific questions using model experiments. You are regularly presenting your research results at international conferences and publish in recognized journals. The research group combines observations and modeling, hence experience with field work and observational data is a plus. In this position you need to work closely together with many other scientists hence we are looking for someone with very good communication skills.
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.
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.