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

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date01.01.2026, fixed until 31.12.2028 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline21.10.2025

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, 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. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

This PhD project will investigate how global stratocumulus cloud cover responds to rising CO₂ and sea surface temperatures, and the associated radiative feedback. The work will use an ensemble of global km-scale circulation model (ICON) simulations with varied turbulence, radiation coupling, and microphysics settings, constrained by satellite observations and data from an upcoming field campaign. The goal is to better constrain low cloud climate feedback, not the least in order to assess whether drastic stratocumulus changes are plausible, which would strongly affect global climate sensitivity. The project is part of the excellence cluster Climate, Climatic Change and Society II (CLICCS II).

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

Ideally, you have a strong background in atmospheric physics. Experience in the areas circulation models, radiation, climate feedbacks, and microphysics is particularly valuable, but we are also open to outstanding cross-disciplinary applicants. You have strong analytical skill and are good at programming in Python. Your English is fluent, and you enjoy working with other people, both in your near environment and across the excellence cluster. You are good at condensing your work into tight and convincing text and presentations.

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.