Research Associate for the Project “Climate Emotions” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Informatics, Human-Computer Interaction

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.04.2026 pending approval of external funding, fixed until 31.03.2030 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-01-21

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 independent research and further academic qualifications.

In this sub project we will monitor long-term climate moods through automated analysis of media content worldwide, developing innovative emotion coding in multimedia data. Furthermore, we will explore how these moods influence decision-making, activism, and polarization, integrating media analysis with empirical emotional studies to better understand societal reactions to climate change. Key responsibilities of the applicant include analyzing large media datasets and developing AI-powered methods to detect and categorize emotions in text, audio, and video. Additional tasks would include conducting immersive experiments in virtual reality to study emotional responses and their impact on climate decision-making and debates.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

A master‘s degree in a relevant field. Preferably in the subjects Human-Computer Interaction or (Media) Computer Science.

• proficiency in relevant research methods and techniques
• profound English skills
• interest in interdisciplinary teamwork
• independence and self-motivation
• adaptability and flexibility
• perseverance and resilience in facing challenges

Experience in at least one of the following research fields:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Interactive 3D Computer Graphics

For the implementation, very good programming skills as well as the following additional technical skills would be preferable:

• Python and Pytorch
• Unity3D, Unreal or similar engines
• object-oriented programming (e.g., C#, C ++ or Java)
• smart glasses or other output devices (e.g., audio-visual XR devices and/or controllers)
• statistics (e.g. R or SPSS)

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.

Instructions for applying

Contact

Prof. Dr. Frank Steinicke

Antje Lünstedt

Location

Bundesstraße 56b
20146 Hamburg

Reference number

2

Application deadline

2026-01-21

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.