Research Associate Position in Climate Change & Environmental Anthropology in Germany

ByAgristok

The University of Hamburg invites applications for a Research Associate position within the prestigious Cluster of Excellence: “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS)” This opportunity is designed for scholars in environmental anthropology and climate research, offering a unique interdisciplinary platform that bridges natural sciences and social sciences.

Position Overview

  • Job Title: Research Associate
  • Project: Carbon Dynamics and Climate Futures in Drylands of Southern Africa
  • Start Date: October 1, 2026
  • Contract Duration: Until September 30, 2028
  • Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
  • Salary: E13 TV-L (German public sector pay scale)
  • Workload: Full-time (part-time possible)
  • Location: Hamburg, Germany

About the CLICCS Cluster

The CLICCS Cluster at the University of Hamburg is one of Germany’s leading climate research initiatives. It integrates expertise from partner institutions such as:

  • Max Planck Institute for Meteorology
  • Helmholtz Centre Hereon
  • German Climate Computing Centre

The cluster explores both climate systems and societal responses, making it a highly interdisciplinary and globally relevant research environment.

Research Focus and Responsibilities

This position centers on an ethnographic research project in Namibia, investigating:

  • Indigenous knowledge of soils
  • Local perceptions of climate change
  • Soil vulnerability in dryland ecosystems

Your Key Tasks

  • Conduct field-based ethnographic research in Namibia
  • Analyze how climate change is experienced and interpreted locally
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across climate science and social science
  • Contribute to joint academic publications
  • Support broader research goals on climate-society interactions

Candidate Profile

Essential Requirements

  • PhD (Doctorate) in Anthropology
  • Strong background in environmental anthropology
  • Proven fieldwork experience in Namibia
  • Ability to conduct independent ethnographic research

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience collaborating with natural scientists
  • Familiarity with interdisciplinary research environments
  • Strong academic writing and publication skills

What the University Offers

Working at the University of Hamburg comes with several benefits:

  • Competitive E13 TV-L salary
  • Flexible working hours and part-time options
  • 30 days of annual leave
  • Access to continuing education programs
  • University pension scheme
  • Health and wellness support (EGYM Wellpass)
  • Strong commitment to work-life balance

Work Culture and Inclusion

The University of Hamburg is committed to:

  • Diversity and equal opportunity
  • Inclusion across gender, background, and identity
  • Supporting researchers with disabilities (priority consideration in equal qualification cases)

Application Process

Required Documents

Contact Information

For further inquiries:

Michael Schnegg
Email: michael.schnegg@uni-hamburg.de
Phone: +49 40 2395-27915

Reference Number: 98

Address:
Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1
20146 Hamburg, Germany

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this position fully funded?

Yes, the role is funded under the German public sector salary scheme (E13 TV-L).

2. Do I need prior experience in Namibia?

Yes, prior ethnographic fieldwork experience in Namibia is essential for this role.

3. Can international applicants apply?

Yes, the position is open to international candidates who meet the qualifications.

4. What is the main research method used?

The role primarily involves ethnographic research, including fieldwork and qualitative analysis.

5. Is teaching required?

The position focuses mainly on research, but academic development and contributions to publications are expected.

6. What makes CLICCS unique?

CLICCS integrates climate science with social science, allowing researchers to explore both environmental and societal dimensions of climate change.

7. Is German language required?

German is not explicitly required, but may be helpful for integration and communication.

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