12792 - Social Scientist for climate impact perception & Engagement

CMCC Position cod. 12792
Social Scientist for climate impact perception & Engagement
Deadline: November, 14th, 2025

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a Social Scientist with a background in cultural and environmental anthropology to join the Behavioural and Engagement (BAE) unit within the Regional Models and Geo-Hydrological Impacts (REMHI) division. The ideal candidate combines expertise in qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups), risk perception and climate emotions, with experience in stakeholder engagement and science communication. This role will co-design user-centred methodologies, indicators and workflows that integrate social insights with climate services and decision-support tools (e.g., Dataclime).

ABOUT US

CMCC Foundation is a cross-cutting scientific research center on climate change and its interactions with the environment, society, the world of business, and policymakers. Our work aims to stimulate sustainable growth, protect the environment, and develop strategies for the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. CMCC's core objective is to conduct cutting-edge science, to train the next generation of scientists at both national and international levels, and to be a beacon for climate modelling.

CMCC pursues fundamental and applied science with utmost scientific integrity, prioritizing data-driven science and providing data, information, and research results that can support informed public debate and decision-making processes. To achieve climate research objectives at the highest international standards, we invest in training all our talents, and strive to create a workplace where everyone can excel.

At CMCC you will find a strong, professional environment. Join an inclusive community that values diversity, where every voice is heard and respected. Help foster a culture of innovation and societal change, where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.

Over the last decade, CMCC has experienced extraordinary growth. We are now embarking on a new chapter of our journey that will further boost CMCC's global position in climate change research…Together

To learn more about this opportunity and submit your application, please refer to the following:

ROLE

This position strengthens BAE's capacity to bridge climate research with communities, practitioners and policy. The role will contribute to cutting-edge research and development projects on climate risk perception, public understanding of climate change, risk communication, and adaptation co-production across key sectors (e.g., water, infrastructure, urban resilience, education). It will interface with data- and model-oriented units to embed social dimensions into climate services and impact assessments.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Social Scientist for climate impact perception & Engagement will support the REMHI Division, with:Design and conduct qualitative research (semi-structured interviews, focus groups, participatory observation) on climate risk perception, climate emotions, vulnerability, and adaptation practices in diverse contexts (e.g., alpine, urban, educational).Co-develop user-centred indicators and workflows that integrate social evidence with climate/impact data and support Dataclime products and climate services.Plan and facilitate stakeholder mapping, engagement strategies, workshops, and co-design sessions with public administrations, utilities, private sector and civil society.Develop evidence-based risk communication and climate education materials; test experimental formats for different audiences (youth, professionals, decision-makers).Collaborate with interdisciplinary and international teams; contribute to proposals, deliverables, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed publications.Contribute to data management plans for qualitative research; ensure rigorous ethics and GDPR-compliant handling of personal data.Present results in conferences and support capacity-building and training activities.  REQUIREMENTS Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in Cultural/Social Anthropology or closely related social sciences; strong specialization in environmental anthropology, disaster studies, or risk perception.Proven expertise with qualitative methods and analysis (coding, qualitative data management tools, protocol design, research ethics).Track record on climate change, mountain/alpine contexts, public understanding of climate risks, or climate emotions/eco-anxiety.Experience in stakeholder engagement, co-design, and facilitation; excellent written and oral communication in English.Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and to interface social research with climate/impact modelling and services.Readiness to travel for fieldwork and stakeholder activities in Italy and abroad. ADDITIONAL SKILLS

•  Fluency in Italian (C2) and very good command of French and/or Spanish.

• Familiarity with data visualization and basic literacy in GIS or Python for interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Experience with proposal writing and project management in national/EU frameworks.

• Experience with science communication and media engagement.

DURATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Please note that this opportunity will be issued both internally and externally.
• The Researcher will be based in Caserta CMCC office ), with flexible working arrangements according to internal policies.
• Contract and gross annual salary will be based on qualifications and working experience.
• Welfare package, for minimum 12 months contract.
• Flexible working time as per internal policies
• Support during the immigration process, if needed.
• For outstanding profiles, we are also open to part-time arrangements and remote work. 

PROTECTED CATEGORY
Belonging to legally protected categories (ex L. 68/99) will constitute a preferential condition.
Some fiscal benefits could be applied for repatriated workers or foreign researchers/professors, having the requirements defined by Dlgs 147/2015 (for repatriates) or Dl 78/2010 (for foreigners).
CMCC is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status, and other legally protected characteristics. Please omit from your CV any data you or we might consider discriminatory.
This job announcement is an invitation to express interest in the above-mentioned CMCC Position.

Applicants responding to this posting declare that they have read, understood and agreed to the "Official Rule for the CMCC Personnel recruitment".

We will keep your information on file for up to 1 year.

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