10 doctoral research positions (all genders) in the interdisciplinary field of urban health

The RTG is structured around four overarching Research Themes (RTs):

A) Urban Health Resilience,

B) Urban Disease Ecology,

C) Governance and Institutional Change, and

D) Adaptive Urban Ecosystems

Deadline:

November 02, 2026

Reference number:

GRK 3204/1

Working time model:

part-time (65%)

Duration:

Starting date

a period of 4 years

April 1, 2027

Pay grade:

TV-L EG 13

Your tasks

• Actively participate in the RTG training program and interdisciplinary seminars
• Conduct independent, RT-aligned doctoral research, including method development, data collection, analysis, and publication
• Contribute to the development of Blue City concepts and transdisciplinary knowledge exchange

We offer

• A stimulating, international, and interdisciplinary doctoral environment with strong national and global research networks
• Structured supervision, clear progression criteria, and dedicated career development support
• Full funding for fieldwork, travel, and related research expenses
• Comprehensive training in systems thinking, transdisciplinary methods, and academic communication
• Committed to diversity and equal opportunity; certified as a family-friendly university

Your profile

• Completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g., Agricultural and Food Systems, Climate and Earth Sciences, Development Studies, Ecology and Life Sciences, Economics and Management, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Environmental and Health Sciences, Geography, Infectious Diseases, Hygiene/infection control, (Medical) Microbiology, Public Health, Urban and Regional Studies, and Social Sciences)
• Strong interdisciplinary mindset and clear interest in urban transformations, water-health nexus, or urban health
• Excellent written and oral English language skills

Application process & documents

The selection process is two-stage. Applications will be evaluated by the RTG Selection Committee, and only the most qualified candidates will be invited to a virtual interview.

• Curriculum vitae (tabular format)
• Higher education degree certificate(s) and full transcript(s) of records, including an explanation of the grading system of all previous studies.
• Motivation letter (max. 500 words)
• Research exposé (max. 1500 words)
• Interdisciplinary research statement (max. 500 words)
• Letter of recommendation
• English language proficiency certification (B2 level (CEFR, TOEFL or equivalent))

Diversity and equal opportunity

The institutions involved promote an open, respectful and non-discriminatory academic culture and are actively committed to equal opportunity and family friendliness. We aim to eliminate structural disadvantages and to strengthen diversity in research, teaching and administration. Therefore, we welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic or social background, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability or age.

Applications from women and people with a documented severe disability (or equivalent status) will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the Gender Equality Act of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz NRW, LGG NRW) and Book IX of the Social Code (Sozialgesetzbuch IX, SGB IX).

Contact

More details about the RTG Research Themes, can be found here:

https://www.ukbonn.de/ihph/bereiche/urban-future/