Doctoral Researcher (m/f/diverse) - Position No. 2026-A2-01

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/diverse) – Position No. 2026-A2-01

Organisation: German Institute of Development and Sustainability gGmbH (IDOS)

Location: Bonn

IDOS conducts high‑quality research on development and sustainability. The Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies (BCDSS) is a German Research Council‑funded cluster of excellence. Together they provide an interdisciplinary environment for research on Strong Asymmetrical Dependencies (SADs) in maritime and littoral contexts.

Research Group: Power, Knowledge, and Servitude at Sea (POESIS)

The POESIS group explores how maritime and littoral worlds shape asymmetric dependencies. This PhD is part of Work Package 3 “Submerged Dependencies,” focusing on environments below the waterline where biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage management and security regimes converge.

Position Details

Part‑time 65% (25–35 hours per week). German public sector tariff EG 13, TVoeD Bund, according to qualifications.

Subject to final approval of funds, the position may be filled as of 01 October 2026 and is limited to four years, with possibility of further extension.

PhD awarded by University of Bonn’s Department of Sociology. Co‑supervised by Dr. Rapti Siriwardane‑de Zoysa and Prof. Dr. Anna‑Katharina Hornidge.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Master’s degree with very good grades in a discipline within the critical social sciences and/or humanities with an interest in multimodal ethnographic, archival and digital approaches.
• Strong motivation and commitment towards pursuing a PhD.
• Proven knowledge and experience in one or more relevant fields, including anthropology, sociology, environmental history, archaeology, maritime and critical ocean studies, and critical heritage studies.
• Proven experience with cross‑cutting research methodologies in the social sciences and humanities.
• Demonstrable research or work experience in a Global South or majority‑world context, or in a region shaped by colonial histories or post‑socialist transformation.
• Strong writing, communication and organisational skills; interest in science communication, storytelling and co‑creative practice.
• Fluent command of written and spoken English; German is an asset.
• Willingness to travel abroad, including tropical climates (tropical suitability required).

We Offer

• Flexible working hours, mobile working up to 60% per week (within Germany).
• Participation in research projects within BCDSS Research Areas A, D, and others of the candidate’s choice.
• Subsidised Deutschland‑Job‑Ticket and good public transport access.
• Special annual payment in accordance with TVoeD Bund.
• Up to 30 days annual vacation plus 6 days company vacation.
• Professional development training.
• Employer contribution to the company pension scheme at VBLU.
• Additional social and monetary benefits.

Equality and Diversity

We actively promote equality between women and men and the diversity of all people: people of colour, all nationalities, religions, beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, all age groups and people with disabilities. We welcome applicants with a family migration history.

Application Process

Applications must reference position number 2026‑A2‑01 with the following documents:

• Cover letter outlining motivation.
• Curriculum vitae, including all relevant academic certificates.
• Research proposal ≤ 2,000 words (including references).
• Two letters of reference.

Submit exclusively via application portal by 17 May 2026 at 23:59 CET. Interviews to take place within the first three weeks of June 2026.

Data Protection

Selection committee consists of employees of IDOS and BCDSS (University of Bonn). By applying, you consent to the processing of your application data in accordance with GDPR.

Position is currently open.