The University of Bonn is inviting applications for 10 doctoral research positions within the DFG Research Training Group “Urban Future – managing transformations for a better health in blue cities”.
The four-year doctoral programme explores how urban transformations in cities located along rivers and coastlines can be managed to improve public health, social equity and ecological sustainability.
The programme places particular emphasis on the relationship between water, health and governance, with cities in the Global South serving as important research contexts.
Applications close: 2 November 2026
The research programme focuses on four overarching themes:
Applicants are able to develop research proposals around these themes. Proposed research sites are not limited to the programme’s existing partner countries and may include other “Blue Cities” worldwide.
Applicants should hold a completed Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.
Relevant fields include, but are not limited to:
Applicants should also demonstrate an interdisciplinary interest in urban transformations, urban health or the water-health nexus, as well as excellent written and spoken English.
doctoral research positions
doctoral support contracts
remuneration, part-time employment at 65%
Applicants are required to submit:
CV
Higher education degree certificates and full transcript
Motivation letter of maximum 500 words
Research exposé of maximum 1,500 words
Interdisciplinary research statement of maximum 500 words
Two letters of recommendation
English language proficiency certification at B2 level or equivalent
2 November 2026
1 April 2027