Research Associate for the Project “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS) – N4: Scale interactions in a warming Arctic

Overview

The University of Hamburg is seeking a research associate for the Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS), specifically for the project N4 on scale interactions in a warming Arctic. The position is based in the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences, Work Group Kutzbach.

Employment details

This is a part-time academic position classified at pay grade EGR. 13 TV-L. The appointment begins as soon as possible and is fixed until 31.08.2029. It is a temporary contract under Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labour contract law (WissZeitVG). The role covers 65% of standard working hours per week.

Project context

CLICCS studies climate dynamics, climate-related social dynamics, and the interactions between them. The project brings together researchers across the natural and social sciences in an integrated setting. The broader cluster also collaborates with partners such as the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Helmholtz Centre Hereon, and the German Climate Computing Centre.

Role summary

The appointed researcher will contribute academic services to the project and may also work toward additional academic qualifications outside the assigned duties, including doctoral studies. Doctoral candidates are integrated into the structured doctoral programme of the School of Integrated Climate and Earth System Sciences (SICSS), which offers interdisciplinary and internationally oriented training.

Research focus

The Arctic is warming faster than any other region, leading to major changes such as permafrost thaw and sea ice loss. This project examines how small-scale differences in surface conditions and extreme weather events influence large-scale Arctic climate dynamics and, in turn, affect the global climate system. The work combines climate modelling, field research, laboratory experiments, and observational data to study nonlinear processes in Arctic climate.

A major emphasis is on extreme weather events, including heatwaves and storms, and how they affect permafrost stability and stored carbon. Field studies in Greenland’s tundra and laboratory experiments will help assess how these events accelerate thaw and contribute to greenhouse gas release, improving estimates of long-term carbon feedbacks in the Arctic.

Key duties

The selected candidate will analyse how extreme weather events influence CO2 flux dynamics in Arctic tundra using eddy covariance land-atmosphere flux data. The role includes supporting and carrying out micrometeorological measurements with an eddy covariance system during expeditions to Disko Island in West Greenland.

Additional work involves processing and quality-checking eddy covariance data from West Greenland, assembling comparable datasets from other Arctic tundra sites, and synthesising circumpolar CO2 fluxes. A central task is the statistical analysis of large circumpolar datasets to identify both short- and long-term effects of extreme weather on CO2 fluxes. The researcher will also interpret results, prepare publications for international peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at project meetings and international conferences.

Candidate profile

Applicants should hold a university degree in a relevant discipline such as climate science, geoecology, geosciences, meteorology, or environmental sciences. Strong candidates should have solid knowledge of soil biogeochemical processes, practical experience with greenhouse gas flux measurement methods, and experience analysing empirical biogeochemical datasets, preferably greenhouse gas flux data.

In addition, the role requires strong scientific programming skills in MATLAB and Python, excellent written and spoken English, and a willingness to take part in physically demanding fieldwork. The university also values high intrinsic motivation, personal responsibility, creative and solution-oriented thinking, and strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Terms and conditions

Salary is based on collective wage agreements. The application deadline is 22.07.2026. The reference number is 185. The work location is Bundesstraße 57, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.

Benefits

The university offers continuing education opportunities, university pension coverage, flexible working hours, work-life balance support, health management including EGYM Wellpass, educational leave, 30 days of annual vacation, and an attractive central location.

Equal opportunity statement

Universität Hamburg is committed to equity and welcomes applications from people of all genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, ethnic and social backgrounds, ages, religions or beliefs, disabilities, and chronic illnesses. Applicants with severe disabilities or equivalent status will be given preference if equally qualified.

Application process

Applications must be submitted through the online application form only and should include a cover letter, CV, and copies of degree certificates. If technical issues arise, applicants may contact the university by email.

Contacts

Prof. Dr. Lars Kutzbach: lars.kutzbach@uni-hamburg.de, +49 40 2395-22021

Dr. David Holl: david.holl@uni-hamburg.de, +49 40 2395-22010

Additional information

Universität Hamburg describes itself as a University of Excellence and emphasises research, teaching, education, and knowledge exchange aimed at preparing responsible global citizens for global challenges. Its guiding principle is “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age.”