The DFG Research Training Group “Urban Future” at the University of Bonn is recruiting 10 doctoral researchers to study how cities across the Global South are navigating transformation — from climate pressures and public health inequities to rapid urbanization and food insecurity. This is a paid, four-year doctoral position starting April 2027.
It’s a rare chance to pursue a fully funded interdisciplinary PhD in Germany — with a salary, a research budget, and a structured training group behind you.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: Doctoral Research Position (PhD Fellowship)
- Host Organization: University of Bonn — DFG Research Training Group “Urban Future”
- Location: Bonn, Germany
- Format / Mode: In-person
- Duration: 4 years (starting April 1, 2027)
- Funding / Financial Support: Fully funded — TV-L E13 (65%) salary + research and travel expenses covered
- Stipend / Salary: TV-L pay grade E13 at 65% (~€2,000–2,200/month gross, per German public-sector pay scale)
- Application Fee: Free
- Nationality: Global
- Degree Required: Master’s degree or equivalent
- Age: None
- Work Experience: None
- Fields / Areas: Urban studies, public health, geography, environmental sciences, sustainability, climate science, agriculture, development studies, economics, social sciences
- Start Date: April 1, 2027
- Deadline: 19 October 2026
What Is This Opportunity?
The Research Training Group “Urban Future” is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and hosted at the University of Bonn. It brings together researchers from multiple disciplines to investigate how cities — particularly in the Global South — are coping with rapid change, and what those shifts mean for health, equity, and environmental sustainability.
As a doctoral researcher, you’ll be embedded in a structured training programme with regular colloquia, skills workshops, and international research travel. Fieldwork costs and related travel expenses are covered by the research group.
Who Can Apply?
- Holds a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field
- International applicants welcome — no nationality restrictions stated
- English proficiency at B2 level (CEFR) or equivalent (TOEFL, IELTS, or similar)
- Research interest in urban transformations, health, sustainability, or related areas
What Do You Get?
- Monthly salary at TV-L E13 (65%) — approximately €2,000–2,200/month gross
- Fieldwork, travel, and related research expenses fully covered
- German social insurance (health, pension, unemployment) as a public-sector employee
- Four-year doctoral employment contract — security for the full programme duration
- Access to University of Bonn research infrastructure and international networks
- Structured doctoral training: colloquia, workshops, and mentorship
What Will You Do?
- Conduct original doctoral research on urban transformations affecting health, equity, or sustainability
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary group of researchers across disciplines
- Carry out fieldwork, often in Global South urban contexts
- Participate in regular group colloquia, skills workshops, and scientific exchanges
- Publish and present your findings in academic venues
Fields / Areas
- Urban Studies & Urban Planning
- Public Health
- Geography & Environmental Sciences
- Sustainability & Climate Science
- Agriculture & Food Security
- Development Studies & Economics
- Social Sciences
How to Apply
- Visit the University of Bonn official application portal
- Prepare your research proposal, CV, degree certificates, and English proficiency documents
- Indicate your proposed doctoral research topic within the Urban Future thematic areas
- Submit all materials by 19 October 2026
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