Research Associate for the Project “Social Construction of Climate Moods” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Cluster of Excellence „Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS)“ (climate research), Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, Department of Social Sciences

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: as soon as possible, for a fixed term until September 30, 2027 (duration of a special leave)

Application deadline: 2026-10-06

Scope of work: full-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:

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.

CLICCS is an ambitious research program at the University of Hamburg and its partner institutions. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), it is part of Germany’s Excellence Strategy. Its overarching research question is: Which climate futures are plausible, and which are desirable? The project “Social Construction of Climate Moods” explores emotional reactions to climate extremes, policies, scientific assessments, media reports and art work to describe climate moods that emerge across societies. Your responsibilities as a senior research associate include:

• independently designing and conducting theoretical work and empirical research on the emotional dynamics of relevant actor groups, such as scientists, activists and politicians
• connecting and integrating his/her research with other research carried out in the S1 project
• contributing to project development under supervision of project chairs
• contributing to overall interdisciplinary synthesis of CLICCS
• developing and (co-)authoring articles to be published in national and international academic journals
• resenting research at national and international conferences
• management tasks (e.g., organization of collaboration between PhD researchers, organization of workshops)

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

• a PhD (or equivalent) in sociology, STS or related academic fields with very good or excellent results
• advanced knowledge in sociological and STS theories and debates
• good proficiency in techniques of empirical research, esp. qualitative methods such as ethnographic methods, interview techniques and content analysis
• prior knowledge in the sociology of emotions, the sociology of interaction, and the sociology of social movements is desirable
• publications in peer-reviewed national and international sociology journals
• experience in team work in an interdisciplinary environment and in project management
• fluency in English and German (spoken and written)

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.

The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply. Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements ( and ).

Instructions for applying

Contact

Prof. Dr. Simone Rödder

Location

Bundesstraße 57
20146 Hamburg

Reference number

233

Application deadline

2026-10-06

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)
• short exposé (appr. 5 pages)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.