Doctoral Researcher

Institution
Cluster of Excellence "Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS)" (climate research), GIGA

Start date
1 April 2026, with an initial contract of 3 years

Application deadline

Scope of work
part-time

Weekly hours
65 % of standard work hours per week

Subject to final funding approval, the GIGA seeks to appoint a

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d)
to join our research projects on "
Co-creating narrative-based near-term climate predictions to prepare for volatile future climates" and "Varieties of Climate Agency"
, within the framework of the Cluster of Excellence "Climate, Climatic Change, and Society" (CLICCS II) led by the University of Hamburg. Applications are invited for a part-time position (65%), with an initial contract of 3 years, starting 1 April 2026. The salary is commensurate with EG 13 TV-AVH / TVöD.

The successful candidate will work at the intersection of both projects and:

• examine the impact of narrative-based near-term predictions on adaptive agency in different contexts,
• systematise research findings and develop conceptualisations for different types of climate agency,
• will have the opportunity to work towards the completion of a PhD thesis on the topic of knowledge co-production in the Global South,
• play a leading role in contributing to and implementing project activities, including workshops, colloquia, and joint publications, and
• present research findings at specialist conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals, as well as in relevant policy formats, where appropriate.

Jointly, the project lays the foundation for a social science analysis on climate agency, especially taking account of epistemic agency generated through practices of knowledge production in the Global South. We develop conceptual approaches and methodological tools to map different types of agency, identify institutional settings that enable or constrain them, and examine conditions of access to participation.

Qualifications

• You hold an excellent Masters' degree in the social sciences (e.g. International Relations, Political Science, Sociology).
• You have a demonstrated interest in, and knowledge of, the advertised research field; initial academic publications are an advantage.
• Familiarity with, and initial experience of, qualitative research methods, including interviews, ethnographic, or participatory research.
• You have excellent written and spoken English language skills. Good German language skills are an advantage but not a requirement.
• You are an excellent team player: Communication skills, team orientation and initiative are required.
• International research experience, networking skills, and experience working with interdisciplinary teams are desirable.

The Research Fellow will become a member of the GIGA Doctoral Programme.

Other part-time options will be considered, if so desired by the successful candidate. Diversity and the reconciliation of work and family life are of great importance to the institute and the University of Hamburg. Both institutions promote the equality of all genders. Additionally, we actively encourage applications from persons with disabilities.

The Cluster of Excellence "Climate, Climatic Change, and Society" (CLICCS II) investigates climate dynamics and climate-related social dynamics, as well as the interactions between the two (details). To this end, we are looking for colleagues from a wide range of disciplines. 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.

Instructions for applying

Reference number

GIGA-25-11

Application deadline

Please Fill Out The GIGA Application Form And Send It With Your Full Application (Ref.-No. GIGA Including Relevant Supporting Documentation (cover Letter, CV, Copies Of Credentials/diplomas/certificates, Names Of At Least Two Referees) As One Document (except For The Completed GIGA Application Form) To

German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) Neuer Jungfernstieg 21, 20354 Hamburg, Germany Email: jobs-25-- (email applications are particularly welcome).

Screening of applications will begin on 1 December 2025

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Miriam Prys-Hansen and Prof. Dr. Antje Wiener.

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