Fully Funded PhD Positions in Earth System Modelling and Climate Research – IMPRS ESM, Hamburg, Germany (2027 Intake)

The International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling (IMPRS‑ESM) in Hamburg, Germany, is inviting applications for fully funded PhD positions in interdisciplinary climate and Earth system research. The programme is a joint initiative of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI‑M) and the Universität Hamburg (UHH), and offers a structured, international doctoral training environment with strong links to leading climate modelling and Earth system research groups.

This is a multi‑position call for candidates with backgrounds in physics, geophysical sciences, mathematics, computer science, engineering, ecology, economics, or political science who want to work on cutting‑edge problems in climate dynamics, Earth system modelling, and related interdisciplinary fields.

Position snapshot

• Institution: IMPRS‑ESM (International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling), Hamburg, Germany

• Host institutions: Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI‑M) and Universität Hamburg (UHH)

• Level: PhD / Doctorate (full‑time, typically 3‑year contracts)

• Location: Hamburg, Germany

• Fields: Earth system modelling, climate dynamics, meteorology, oceanography, geophysics, ecology, mathematics, computer science, engineering, economics, political science (interdisciplinary climate research)

• Funding: Fully funded doctoral contracts with financial support of approximately €2,100–2,150 gross per month for three years

• Start date: From March 2027 (flexible within 2027)

• Deadline (official): 15 September 2026

• Application portal: IMPRS‑ESM online application system (https://imprsapp.mpimet.mpg.de/register.php)

About the IMPRS‑ESM programme

IMPRS‑ESM is a structured, interdisciplinary PhD school focused on advancing understanding of processes and dynamics in the Earth system and improving prediction skills for climate and environmental change. The programme brings together doctoral researchers from natural sciences (physics, geophysics, meteorology, oceanography, ecology, mathematics, computer science, engineering) and social sciences (economics, political science) to work on integrated Earth system problems.

Key features of the programme include:

• Interdisciplinary climate research: Projects span physical climate processes, biogeochemical cycles, cryosphere, land surface, ocean–atmosphere interactions, and socio‑economic dimensions of climate change.

• Structured doctoral training: Doctoral candidates receive a personal advisory panel, access to advanced courses, seminars, and workshops, and close supervision by MPI‑M and UHH researchers.

• Strong research infrastructure: IMPRS‑ESM is embedded in one of the world’s leading climate research environments, with access to high‑performance computing (e.g., DKRZ), observational data, and state‑of‑the‑art Earth system models.

• International and collaborative environment: The school hosts a diverse cohort of PhD students from around the world and fosters collaborations with local and international partners, including the Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN) and the German Climate Computing Centre (DKRZ).

Doctoral degrees are awarded by the Universität Hamburg, and candidates are formally employed as PhD researchers (or supported via equivalent contracts) for the duration of their thesis work.

Funding and financial support

Selected candidates will receive fully funded PhD positions with the following core features:

• Monthly financial support: Approximately €2,100–2,150 gross per month for a period of three years (exact amount may vary slightly depending on contract type and funding source).

• Contract type: Fixed‑term doctoral employment contract (or equivalent fully funded arrangement) for three years, with social security coverage and standard employee benefits in Germany.

• Tuition fees: No tuition fees; only the regular semester fee charged by the Universität Hamburg (which typically includes a public transport ticket and student services).

• Research and conference support: Access to departmental funds and opportunities for conference travel, research visits, and collaboration with international partners, as per MPI‑M and IMPRS‑ESM norms.

This funding model makes the positions accessible to both German and international candidates, provided they meet the eligibility and enrolment requirements.

Who should apply

The IMPRS‑ESM call is open to outstanding students from all over the world who hold (or are close to completing) a Master’s degree (with written thesis) in one of the following or comparable fields:

• Physics

• Geophysical sciences (including meteorology and oceanography)

• Ecology

• Mathematics

• Computer Science

• Engineering (e.g., environmental, civil, mechanical, with relevant focus)

• Economics

• Political Science

Students who are still working on their Master’s thesis are explicitly encouraged to apply, provided they can complete their degree before or around the intended start date.

Skills and attributes

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong academic record in quantitative and/or interdisciplinary subjects relevant to Earth system and climate research.

• Solid foundation in mathematical modeling, numerical methods, data analysis, and/or programming (e.g., Python, Fortran, C/C++, MATLAB, R, or similar).

• Genuine interest in climate science, Earth system dynamics, and interdisciplinary research that bridges natural and social sciences.

• Ability to work independently, manage a multi‑year research project, and produce high‑quality scientific outputs (thesis, journal articles, conference presentations).

• Good written and spoken English, as the programme and research environment are international and English is the working language.

Prior research experience (e.g., Master’s thesis, internships in climate/Earth system labs, publications) is highly desirable.

Application materials

Applications must be submitted online only via the IMPRS‑ESM application portal, and incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required documents typically include (exact list is specified in the online system and call document):

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education, research experience, technical skills, and any publications or relevant projects.

• Motivation letter / statement of purpose explaining:

  • Your academic background and key research experiences.

  • Your interest in Earth system modelling and climate research.

  • How your skills and goals align with the IMPRS‑ESM programme and potential supervisors.

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s, or current Master’s progress if not yet completed).

• Master’s thesis (or a detailed description if not yet completed), and/or other research work samples.

• Contact details for two referees who can provide reference letters (the system typically sends automated requests to your referees once you submit their details).

• (If requested) Any additional documents such as a research proposal, writing samples, or proof of English proficiency.

All documents should be uploaded in the formats specified in the online application system. Applications that do not meet the formal requirements or are submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

1. Review the official call and programme information

   • Read the IMPRS‑ESM “Call 2026” document and programme description on the official website to understand the research themes, eligibility criteria, and required documents.

   • Note the position type: PhD positions in interdisciplinary climate research under IMPRS‑ESM.

2. Prepare your application documents

   • Update your CV to highlight relevant coursework, projects, and skills in climate/Earth system research, modeling, and data analysis.

   • Draft a targeted motivation letter that connects your background to the IMPRS‑ESM agenda and specifies your research interests within Earth system modelling and climate science.

   • Gather scanned copies of your transcripts, degree certificates, and thesis (or thesis summary) in the required language/format (English or German, or with official translations).

   • Identify two academic referees and confirm their willingness to provide reference letters.

3. Access the online application portal

   • Go to the IMPRS‑ESM application system: https://imprsapp.mpimet.mpg.de/register.php.

   • Register with your email address and create an account (or log in if you already have one).

4. Complete the online form

   • Fill in your personal and academic details, upload all required documents (CV, motivation letter, transcripts, thesis, etc.), and enter your referees’ contact information.

   • Review your application for completeness and correctness before final submission.

5. Submit before the deadline

   • Ensure your application is submitted no later than 15 September 2026.

   • The system will not accept applications after the closing date; late submissions are not considered.

Selection process and timeline

The recruitment process consists of several stages:

• Initial evaluation: A committee reviews all submitted applications based on academic profile, research fit, motivation, and references.

• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews (typically online) in late November 2026 to discuss their research interests, methodological approach, and fit with the programme and potential supervisors.

• Final selection and offers: Successful candidates receive formal offers and instructions for enrolment at Universität Hamburg and onboarding at MPI‑M/IMPRS‑ESM.

Key dates from the official call and summaries are:

• Application deadline: 15 September 2026

• Interviews: Late November 2026

• Planned start date: From March 2027 (flexible within 2027)

Why this opportunity stands out

The IMPRS‑ESM PhD positions offer a rare combination of:

• Fully funded, salaried doctoral contracts with competitive pay (around €2,100–2,150/month gross) and standard employee benefits in Germany.

• Access to world‑class climate research infrastructure at one of the premier global institutes for meteorology and Earth system science (MPI‑M), with strong links to DKRZ, CEN, and other leading partners.

• A structured, interdisciplinary doctoral programme that bridges natural and social sciences, offering personalized supervision, advanced training, and a vibrant international research community.

• An outstanding location in Hamburg, a major European hub for climate science, with excellent quality of life, strong academic networks, and numerous career opportunities in academia, policy, and industry.

For candidates passionate about climate science, Earth system modeling, and interdisciplinary research on global environmental change, this is an excellent opportunity to pursue a high‑impact PhD at the heart of Europe’s climate research community.

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