Research Associate for the Project “Varieties of Climate Agency” in the Cluster of Excellence ‘Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS) § 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, fixed for a period of 3,5 years (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-11-05

Scope of work: full-time position suitable for part-time

The Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS II) investigates climate dynamics and climate-related social dynamics, as well as the interactions between the two; S3 – Varieties of Climate Agency (details: ). 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.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our research team on “Varieties of Climate Agency: constitution, dynamics, and effects”. The project lays the foundation for a social science analysis on climate agency – i.e. the build-up of societal capacities to actively shape global climate futures through social mobilisations, legal action, grassroot innovations, media discourses or international negotiations among others. We develop conceptual approaches and methodological tools to map different types of agency, identify institutional settings that enable or constrain them, and examine conditions of access to participation.

The successful candidate will

• contribute to develop an analytical framework to study varieties of climate agency and a typology with reference to organisational conditions of agency-formation, drawing on global – structural – patterns and local – site-based – rules of engagement
• conduct a case study on densification of action into agency at selected sites of climate action
• systematise research findings and develop conceptualisations for different types of climate agency
• play a supporting role in contributing to and implementing project activities, including workshops, colloquia, and joint publications
• present research findings at specialist conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals, as well as in relevant policy formats, where appropriate

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

• your doctorate in the social sciences (Political Science, Sociology or adjacent fields) has been completed or is currently being finalized
• you demonstrate academic expertise in the broader field of social science climate research through high-quality peer-reviewed academic publications
• familiarity and experience with qualitative research methods, including interviews, ethnographic observations, or discourse analysis, and automated content analysis of news articles are an advantage
• you have excellent written and spoken English language skills and good German language skills
• you are an excellent team player and prepared to take up a leading role in project organisation: communication skills, team orientation and initiative are required
• international research experience and documentation of a strong publication record, networking skills, and experience working with interdisciplinary teams are desirable

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

Stefan C. Aykut

Antje Wiener

Location

Bundesstraße 57
20146 Hamburg

Reference number

266

Application deadline

2026-11-05

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

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.