Postdoctoral Researcher for a research project on 'Extreme Adaptation to Climate Change' at the IFSH in Hamburg (full-time)

IFSH - Institut für Friedensforschung und Sicherheitspolitik - Uni Hamburg

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The IFSH is an interdisciplinary foundation and research institution at the University of Hamburg, which is institutionally supported by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. The research activities of the IFSH concentrate on analysing current developments and challenges for peace and security with a focus on the European region. The transfer of knowledge from research to politics and society is a fundamental part of the Institute's work.

The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy (IFSH) at the University of Hamburg is seeking a postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) for the research project 'Extreme Adaptation to Climate Change' in the framework of the Hamburg Cluster of Excellence 'Climate, Climatic Change, and Society' (CLICCS) at IFSH, starting on 1 January 2026. The position is full-time (100%). The salary group corresponds to EG13 TV-AVH. The position is based in Hamburg. The term of office ends on 30 June 2029.

The Cluster of Excellence “Climate, Climate 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. Our partners, e.g. the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Helmholtz Centre Hereon or the German Climate Computing Centre are also hiring. All jobs: www.cliccs.uni-hamburg.de/jobs

The advertised position is part of the research project A4 ‘Extreme Adaptation to Climate Change’ within the Hamburg Cluster of Excellence Climate, Climatic Change, and Society.

This research project investigates how societies worldwide are responding to the challenges of severe climate change scenarios. Focused on ‘extreme’ adaptation strategies – planned, future-oriented, and drastic collective responses to the climate crisis – the research aims to deepen understanding of their social acceptance, conflicts, and impacts in a wider of context of inequality and marginalization. The project offers interdisciplinary insights into how communities anticipate, negotiate and confront drastic climate-related transformations.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) with a background in the social sciences to join our interdisciplinary project. The successful candidate will play a key role in our comprehensive analysis of extreme adaptation strategies worldwide, with a particular focus on investigating governmental responses on different levels to diminishing habitability and examining societal debates over what to preserve or relinquish in various parts of the world. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to interdisciplinary climate adaptation research and policy.

Your mission

• You will actively contribute to a comprehensive, interdisciplinary analysis of extreme strategies of adaptation around the world. In this context, you will conduct independent research on topics such as governmental responses to rising sea levels or extreme heat; conflicts surrounding extreme adaptation measures; impacts on vulnerable groups; or societal debates over what to preserve or relinquish in the face of severe climate change scenarios.
• You will systematize research findings and develop conceptualizations for different forms of extreme adaptation.
• You will take a leading role in planning and implementing project activities, including workshops, colloquia, and joint publications.
• You will present your research findings at specialist conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed journals, as well as in relevant policy formats where appropriate.

Your profile

• You have a very good university degree or another degree relevant to the position (political science, peace and conflict studies, (critical) security studies, sociology, human geography or similar). Your doctorate in a relevant field has been completed or is currently being finalized.
• You demonstrate your academic expertise in the broader research field of climate adaptation through high-quality peer-reviewed academic publications.
• You have experience employing different qualitative research methods, including interviews, ethnographic or participatory research. Familiarity with applying future-oriented research methods, such as scenario planning or foresight, is advantageous.
• You have excellent written and oral 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.

We offer

In addition to an exciting field of work in a dynamic and highly relevant research environment, you can expect the following additional benefits with us:

• A company pension scheme based on the Hamburg pension model
• Individual training opportunities as part of our IFSH staff development program
• Flexible working hours and the opportunity to work up to 60% from home, depending on your personal situation and job context
• Additional incentive pay based on our collective agreement (TV AVH) in the form of a tax-free non-cash benefit card

Further information

The IFSH has set itself the goal of promoting the careers of women and is, therefore, particularly interested in applications from women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are given priority in these areas in accordance with the Hamburg Equal Opportunities Act, provided they have equivalent qualifications. We also strongly encourage applications from individuals with disabilities.

Your application within the scope of the advertised position should consist of a cover letter, a research plan (1-2 pages) meeting the scope of the advertised position, an up to date CV, your publication list, and two writing samples. Please apply via our career portal (ifsh/institute/vacancies). We encourage you to use the DFG template for your CV. You can find it, including some explanations, here: dfg.de/en/.

The application deadline is 03 October 2025.

Contact person for your application

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Ursula Schröder (ifsh/Schröder).

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