Research Associate for the Project “CLICCS” in Political Science, Economics, or a related field § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Cluster of Excellence „Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS)“ (climate research)

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.01.2027, fixed until 30.06.2030 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-10-01

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.

The Research Associate will work on the project “Renewables and Carbon Offsets in the Global South: Impacts and Social Conflict,” which forms part of the research program “Climate, Climatic Change, and Society” (CLICCS). The project addresses the following research questions: What are the socioeconomic and distributional effects of renewable energy expansion and land-based carbon offset projects in the Global South? Under what conditions do these effects generate or intensify social conflict? The empirical core of the project will be a large-scale, field-based study to be conducted across multiple sites in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Research Associate specific responsibilities include:

• contributing to the design and implementation of research on renewable energy, carbon offsets, and social conflict, including fieldwork
• developing and co-authoring articles for publication in academic journals
• presenting research at national and international conferences
• engaging in knowledge exchange and outreach activities with policymakers and practitioners
• performing organizational tasks, such as arranging workshops and facilitating collaboration among researchers
• contributing to project administration and reporting

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

We seek an outstanding quantitative social scientist, preferably with substantive expertise in one or more of the following areas: climate change, renewable energy, carbon offsets, and social conflict.

Required qualifications:

• a doctoral degree, or advanced PhD studies, in political science, economics, or a related discipline
• an emerging record of publications in leading journals in political science, economics, or related fields
• demonstrated proficiency in state-of-the-art quantitative methods
• a strong background in quantitative data collection
• fluency in English

Desired qualifications:

• previous research on climate change, renewable energy, carbon offsets, social conflict, or other topics relevant to the project
• fieldwork experience, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa
• proficiency in Stata and R
• familiarity with SurveyCTO or other survey software
• a record of working in interdisciplinary environments
• involvement in policy exchange and knowledge-transfer activities
• fluency in German

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. Alexandra Scacco

Dr. Nele Müller

Location

Bundesstraße 57
20146 Hamburg

Reference number

235

Application deadline

2026-10-01

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

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)
• one writing sample
• recommendation letters (optional)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.