A fully funded PhD position in Climate Extremes and Public Opinion is available in Bern, Switzerland, offering an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of climate science, governance, and communication. The role is embedded within a major international research initiative focused on understanding how societies perceive and respond to climate-related extreme events, and how communication can shape more resilient and informed public behavior. This doctoral position is part of a collaboration between the Wyss Academy for Nature and the NCCR CLIM+, hosted at the University of Bern. About the Wyss Academy for Nature and NCCR CLIM+ The Wyss Academy for Nature is a globally oriented research and implementation platform that brings together scientists, policymakers, businesses, and local communities. Its mission is to co-design practical solutions to urgent global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, land-use change, and inequality. Operating through regional stewardship hubs in Europe, East Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia, the institution focuses on translating interdisciplinary research into real-world impact. Its vision is a just and sustainable world where nature conservation and human wellbeing reinforce one another. The NCCR CLIM+ initiative complements this mission by supporting Switzerland’s transition toward a climate-resilient society. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, develops actionable climate knowledge, and trains the next generation of experts capable of addressing complex environmental and social challenges. About the PhD Position The advertised PhD position is hosted within the Research Team on Environmental Governance and Global Development, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Quynh Nguyen. The successful candidate will contribute to Work Package 4 (WP4) of the NCCR CLIM+ project, which focuses on understanding how communication about climate extremes influences public opinion and behavior. The research examines how individuals, organizations, and societies interpret and respond to extreme climate events such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts. A central focus is placed on communication strategies, media narratives, and the role of misinformation in shaping public perception. Key Research Areas The PhD researcher will engage in three main research areas: 1. Climate Communication Mapping The project involves analyzing how climate extremes are communicated across media platforms, political discourse, and public institutions. This includes identifying dominant narratives and communication patterns. 2. Public and Stakeholder Perception Analysis The candidate will investigate how different groups perceive climate risks and how these perceptions influence attitudes and behaviors related to climate adaptation and mitigation. 3. Communication Strategy Development A key component of the research involves designing and testing communication approaches that improve public understanding of climate extremes, including strategies to counter misinformation and disinformation. Responsibilities of the PhD Candidate The selected candidate will: Contribute actively to ongoing research within WP4 of NCCR CLIM+ Conduct independent doctoral research leading to a PhD dissertation Present research findings at international conferences and academic workshops Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals Support academic activities such as teaching assistance or administrative tasks, where required (no formal teaching obligation) The position offers a balance between structured project work and independent academic development, allowing the candidate to build a strong research profile. Candidate Profile and Requirements Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background in the social sciences, with a focus on topics such as political science, communication, psychology, economics, environmental studies, or related disciplines. Key qualifications include: A completed Master’s degree in a relevant field Strong knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, including surveys, experiments, or content analysis Experience or interest in social network analysis Basic programming skills in R, Python, or similar tools (experience with AI or machine learning is an advantage) Demonstrated ability to work in international and intercultural environments Excellent written and spoken English skills (German and/or French is an asset) The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, methodologically skilled, and motivated to contribute to real-world climate solutions through interdisciplinary research. Working Environment and Benefits The PhD position offers access to a highly collaborative and international research environment. The successful candidate will work within a dynamic institution that bridges science, policy, and practice. Key benefits include: Employment conditions aligned with the standards of the University of Bern Competitive doctoral salary Flexible working hours and home office options Access to a modern workplace in the historic center of Bern Opportunities for professional development and international collaboration Engagement with real-world policy and stakeholder networks The role provides a unique opportunity to conduct research that is both academically rigorous and socially impactful. Application Process Applications must be submitted in English via the official online portal by 12 May 2026. Interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to take place between 1 and 5 June 2026, with the position starting on 1 July 2026 (or by agreement) for a duration of four years. Applicants are required to submit: A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining research interests, motivation, and qualifications A curriculum vitae including contact details of two academic references Academic transcripts A research proposal (maximum 3 pages excluding bibliography) including research question, theoretical framework, methodology, and expected contributions Applicants are encouraged to clearly indicate any use of artificial intelligence tools in preparing their application materials. Conclusion This PhD opportunity represents a significant entry point into advanced research on climate extremes, public opinion, and communication strategies. Through its integration with the Wyss Academy for Nature and NCCR CLIM+, the position offers an exceptional platform for developing academic expertise while contributing to practical solutions for global climate challenges. The role is particularly suited to candidates seeking to combine rigorous social science research with meaningful societal impact in the field of climate governance and sustainability transitions. LEARN MORE & APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs 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.