The Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN) at the University of Hamburg has announced a major recruitment drive through its Cluster of Excellence – Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS). Beginning in 2026, CLICCS will open 28 doctoral and 28 postdoctoral positions across both the natural and social sciences, offering outstanding researchers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge, interdisciplinary climate research with global relevance.
Building the Next Generation of Climate Scientists
CLICCS, one of Germany’s leading research clusters under the national Excellence Strategy, investigates how climate and society influence each other. It explores not only the physical mechanisms driving climate change but also the social, political, and economic responses that shape our shared future.
Through its collaborative approach, CLICCS integrates expertise from multiple disciplines, including atmospheric science, oceanography, political science, economics, sociology, and environmental governance. This diversity enables a comprehensive understanding of the climate system — and the conditions under which sustainable transformations are possible.
The 2026 recruitment round marks a significant expansion of the CLICCS research community, reflecting the cluster’s ongoing success and transition into its next funding phase, CLICCS II.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Real-World Impact
The newly announced positions will be distributed across CLICCS and its core partners:
- Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M)
- Helmholtz Centre Hereon
- German Climate Computing Centre (DKRZ)
Together, these institutions form an internationally recognized research network dedicated to advancing climate knowledge and translating it into meaningful societal impact.
Researchers joining CLICCS will work on projects that address key challenges such as:
- Climate adaptation and extreme events
- Carbon cycle dynamics under deep decarbonization
- Climate finance and governance
- The role of social perceptions and discourse in shaping climate policy
- Cloud feedback mechanisms and their effect on global warming trajectories
Each of these areas combines scientific inquiry with social relevance, ensuring that research outcomes contribute directly to solutions for the climate crisis.
Open Positions and Deadlines
The first series of job postings is already live, with more expected to be published in the coming weeks. Current openings include:
- Research Associate (m/f/d): Extreme Adaptation to Climate Change
Application deadline: November 4, 2025 - Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d): Extreme Adaptation to Climate Change
Application deadline: October 20, 2025 - Research Associate (m/f/d): Climate Finance
Application deadline: October 14, 2025 - Research Associate (m/f/d): Social Construction of Climate Moods
Application deadline: October 14, 2025 - Research Associate (m/f/d): Response of Carbon Sinks under Deep Decarbonization
Application deadline: October 8, 2025 - Research Associate (m/f/d): Contested Climate Futures – Discursive Powerplay in the Media
Application deadline: October 15, 2025 - Research Associate (m/f/d): Low-Level Cloud Climate Feedback
Application deadline: October 21, 2025
More positions will be added throughout October, offering candidates from a range of disciplines the opportunity to join a world-class research community.
A Hub for Global Climate Research
The University of Hamburg and CEN have long been recognized as leaders in Earth system research, hosting a dynamic environment that brings together scientists, policymakers, and educators. CLICCS plays a central role in this ecosystem, fostering collaboration and innovation in pursuit of sustainable, science-driven solutions.
Doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers at CLICCS benefit from access to cutting-edge computational facilities, international networks, and mentorship from globally respected scientists. The cluster also offers structured training programs through its School of Integrated Climate System Sciences (SICSS), designed to support early-career researchers in developing both academic and professional skills.
Commitment to Diversity and Excellence
CEN and CLICCS are deeply committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. The University of Hamburg welcomes applications from individuals of all genders, backgrounds, and nationalities. Its work culture promotes collaboration, flexibility, and family-friendly policies, ensuring an equitable environment where talent can thrive.
By joining CLICCS, researchers will not only contribute to academic excellence but also engage in transformative work that bridges science, society, and sustainability.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the official job portal on the University of Hamburg’s website to view detailed descriptions, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines for each position.
Typical application materials include:
- A cover letter outlining motivation and research interests
- A CV with details of academic and professional background
- Transcripts and degree certificates
- Letters of recommendation or references
Applicants should carefully note individual deadlines and submit materials early to ensure consideration.
Shaping Climate Futures Together
With 56 new positions available, CLICCS offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging researchers to contribute to pioneering climate science and engage with international experts in an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and impact.
By combining insights from natural and social sciences, the cluster seeks to answer a critical question: Which climate futures are possible—and which are plausible? The outcomes of this research will inform global strategies for adaptation, resilience, and sustainable transformation.
The Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability invites qualified researchers to join this mission — advancing climate knowledge, shaping public discourse, and helping build a sustainable, resilient future for all.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the offering organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
