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

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date01.01.2026, fixed until 30.06.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline08.10.2025

Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time

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.

This particular PostDoc position is embedded into a CLICCS project about the response of carbon sinks to deep decarbonization, and into the working group "Dynamics of Soil Processes” at the Department of Earth System Sciences. This PostDoc position will investigate carbon-climate feedbacks related to land ecosystem functions, and in particular improve the ICON-Land model by soil carbon stabilization processes, consider land use change, and to collaborate on improving other land carbon cycle processes. To address the wider research questions, the person will closely collaborate with ocean carbon cycle modellers in the project, and also integrate with other CLICCS projects on climate-related natural and social sciences topics.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

We are looking for a land surface modeler with experience in developing dynamic soil carbon and nutrient models that are embedded into Earth System Models. The successful candidate will have strong programming skills in FORTRAN, and a strong scientific experience in terrestrial carbon cycle and climate questions documented in the literature. In addition, high communication, presentation and writing skills qualify you for this position.

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

This position is embedded into a research group with students and scientists from all over the world working together on questions of carbon cycle function feedbacks to climate, and into a large project within the cluster of excellence. We therefore offer a strong research environment but at the same time close contacts to students. In the research group and the cluster of excellence we integrate experimental research with process modelling.

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.