Job Opportunity: Research Associate in Climate and Agriculture Impact Studies at University of Hamburg @University of Hamburg

Job Summary

Job Title: Research Associate – Climate Impact on Agriculture in Southern Africa
Job Location: Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Closing Date: 06 June 2026
Contract: Fixed-term, Part-time (65% of full-time equivalent), from 01 September 2026 to 31 August 2029

About Earth and Society Research Hub (ESRAH) and CLICCS

Earth and Society Research Hub (ESRAH) at the University of Hamburg is part of the Cluster of Excellence Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS).

The center explores climate dynamics, social interactions, and their interconnections, fostering interdisciplinary research with global partners.

Position Overview

The University of Hamburg invites applications for a Research Associate to work on projects focusing on carbon dynamics, climate futures in drylands of Southern Africa, and the costs and consequences of extreme climate events.

The successful candidate will investigate how droughts and other extreme events impact crop and livestock production in Namibia and surrounding regions, using biophysical process models and linking these to global agricultural sector models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct academic research within the projects M3 and A3.
• Use biophysical crop modeling, data processing, and statistical analysis.
• Link climate impact assessments to high-resolution global agricultural models.

• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team.
• Pursue doctoral studies through the structured School of Integrated Climate and Earth System Sciences (SICSS), if desired.
• Contribute to research publications and knowledge exchange.

Candidate Profile

• University degree in Geosciences, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or related disciplines.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as R or Python.
• Experience in biophysical crop modeling, data analysis, statistics, or machine learning is advantageous.
• Strong team orientation with an interest in interdisciplinary research.
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written.

Benefits and Offerings

• Competitive salary aligned with EGR. 13 TV-L pay scale.
• Opportunities for continuing education and professional development.
• University pensions, health management, and flexible working hours.
• 30 days annual leave, work-life balance support, and educational leave.
• An attractive academic environment at one of Germany’s leading universities, committed to diversity and inclusion.

Application Process

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application via the online portal, including a cover letter, CV, and degree certificates.

For more information and to apply, visit:

Contacts:

• Uwe Schneider: uwe.schneider@uni-hamburg.de, +49 40 2395-26593
• Kerstin Jantke: kerstin.jantke@uni-hamburg.de, +49 40 2395-22147

Join the University of Hamburg and contribute to impactful research addressing climate change and sustainable agriculture in Southern Africa!