Two PhD student positions for the Research Centre CRC-TRR 288

Two PhD student positions for the Research Centre CRC-TRR 288

Join the University of Bonn as a PhD student in the Department of Geography. The positions are part of the Collaborative Research Centre CRC-TRR 228 “Future Rural Africa – Future-Making and Social‑Ecological Transformation”, focusing on project C03 “Green futures – the transformation of waterscapes in East Africa”. The programme starts April 2026 and lasts up to 3.75 years in accordance with § 2 (1) WissZeitVG.

The doctoral candidates will conduct research within the scope of the research group and write and defend a doctoral thesis. This entails:

• Formulating an innovative and critical research aim and question;
• Reviewing literature and constructing a conceptual framework;
• Planning and conducting fieldwork in Africa;
• Analyzing data and writing up results;
• Presenting findings and publishing academic papers.

Your profile:

We are looking for excellent candidates with a master’s degree or equivalent, a strong grasp of social‑science theoretical approaches to environment and development (e.g., Political Ecology) and empirical field‑research methods, as well as good writing and presentation skills. Practical experience in the Global South is an advantage.

We offer:

• Ambitious and novel research in a motivated and team‑oriented research group;
• Excellent international research environment and network;
• Extensive training, supervision, and support;
• Remuneration in accordance with TV‑L pay grade 13.

The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a family‑friendly university and seeks to increase female representation in areas where women are underrepresented. It expressly encourages qualified women to apply. Applications will be handled in accordance with the NRW State Gender Equality Act (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz, LGG NRW). Applications from qualified candidates with a certified severe disability or of equal status are especially welcome.

We look forward to receiving your complete application, quoting reference 2025/285 , including a 1‑page cover letter, your CV, master’s diploma (or latest transcript of grades if not yet available), an example of your writing, and names and contact details of two potential referees. Send the application by email to The deadline for applications is 18 Jan 2026. Interviews are planned for the last week of January 2026.