Research Associate for the “International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling” (IMPRS-ESM) § 28 Subsection 1 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Cooperation with the International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling

Salary level: EGr. 13 TV-L or TVöD (various funding opportunities available)

Start date: Spring 2027, or individually set, the initial fixed term is three years. (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-09-15

Scope of work: part-time

Weekly hours: 65 % of standard work hours per week

The International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling (IMPRS-ESM) offers a structured, interdisciplinary and international program for PhD students. The main focus of our program is to enhance our understanding of Earth system processes and dynamics and our predictive capabilities for them. The IMPRS-ESM is a joint venture of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorolgy and the University of Hamburg (UHH).

Why join the IMPRS-ESM?

• Interdisciplinary focus: We address the processes and dynamics of the Earth system at different temporal and spatial scales to improve predictive capability.
• Comprehensive education: Enjoy numerous opportunities for scientific training, skills development, and problem solving.
• Diverse research areas: Work on numerical models, analyzing large data sets, statistical methods, and more in a unique scientific environment.

Your responsibilities

Research associates will be expected primarily to conduct research. The research associate will also have the opportunity to pursue further academic qualifications, in particular a doctoral dissertation. At least one-third of set working hours will be made available for the research associate’s own academic work.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

We seek applicants with an excellent academic background. You hold (or are about to complete) an MSc degree or equivalent in physics, geophysical sciences (incl. meteorology and oceanography), ecology, mathematics, computer science, engineering, economics, political science, or related areas. You need to be passionate about research in the Earth System and motivated to conduct rigorous scientific work over the full degree period.

We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements

Continuing education opportunities

University pensions

Attractive location

Flexible working hours

Work-life balance opportunities

Health management

Educational leave

30 days of vacation per annum

• a range of PhD positions in the
• excellent research facilities
• cross-disciplinary research in a vibrant, international scientific environment
• first class supervision and mentorship by a team of internationally renowned experts
• outstanding training in your scientific subject and transferable skills (in English)
• a 3-year employment contract based on the German federal pay agreement (either TV-L or TVöD, depending if UHH or MPI-M issue contract)

University of 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 Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M) is a multidisciplinary center for climate and Earth system research located in Hamburg, Germany. It is one of the premier climate science research institutes in the world. Located in the heart of one of Europe’s most livable and vibrant cities, it provides a highly international and interdisciplinary environment to conduct scientific research as well as access to state-of-the-art scientific facilities. You are interested in climate research? !

We strive to increase the number of women in academia and encourage qualified female academics to apply.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Instructions for applying

Contact

IMPRS-ESM Office

Location

Bundesstraße 53
20146 Hamburg

Reference number

MPI-26

Application deadline

2026-09-15

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

• motivation letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificates
• two reference letters (submission until 20 September)