InstitutionCluster of Excellence "Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS)" (climate research)

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date01.01.2026, fixed until 31.12.2027 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline03.10.2025

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.

We seek enthusiastic candidates for a postdoctoral research associate position in the Excellence Cluster ‘Climate, Climatic Change, and Society’ (CLICCS), funded by the German Research Foundation. The position is part of the project ‘Scale interactions in a warming Arctic’ (CLICCS N4) aiming to analyse the nonlinear impacts of weather extremes on heterogenous Arctic land and ocean surfaces and assess their importance for the loss of the cryosphere and global climate changes. The open position will be part of the working group "Soils in the Climate System” at the Institute of Soil Science of the Department of Earth System Sciences.

The research associate will study the effects of hydrometeorological variability—particularly extreme weather events—on the carbon balance of heterogeneous, permafrost-affected landscapes in Greenland. The research will focus on assessing the impacts of meteorological and hydrological variability and extreme weather events on the landscape water and carbon balance, with particular attention to lateral fluxes of dissolved carbon and nutrients. The project results are to be carefully analyzed, discussed, documented, and published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

We seek motivated and highly qualified applicants with a Ph.D. in soil science, ecohydrology, geoecology, geoscience, biogeochemistry or a closely related field with the following qualifications and skills:

• solid expertise in soil and catchment hydrology
• strong knowledge of the hydrology, soil science, and biogeochemistry of periglacial landscapes
• proven practical experience with field measurements in soil and catchment hydrology
• excellent skills in the statistical analysis of hydrological and biogeochemical datasets
• experience in analyzing chemical and physical properties of soils and waters
• experience in organizing and participating in Arctic land expeditions
• documented experience in publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals
• very good command of English
• experience in conducting micrometeorological measurements of land–atmosphere fluxes of water and energy is an advantage
• experience in leading expedition teams is an advantage
• aptitude and motivation for conducting multi-week fieldwork under challenging Arctic environmental conditions
• aptitude and willingness for leading small expedition teams in the Arctic
• strong organizational skills and efficient work practices
• excellent communication skills with internal and external partners

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.