10 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Urban Health at the University of Bonn, Germany – Urban Future Research Training Group 2027
The University of Bonn and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences offer 10 doctoral research positions focused on urban health in Blue Cities. Successful candidates will begin a structured four-year doctoral programme in April 2027.
Overview
The University of Bonn and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences are inviting applications for 10 doctoral research positions under the DFG Research Training Group (RTG) "Urban Future – Managing Transformations for Better Health in Blue Cities." This interdisciplinary doctoral programme investigates the complex relationships between urbanization, water systems, public health, ecological sustainability, and social justice, with a particular focus on cities situated along rivers and coastlines. The programme begins on 1 April 2027 and combines individual doctoral research with structured training, seminars, and professional development.
Benefits
- A four-year doctoral support contract with remuneration based on TV-L pay grade 13 (65%) under the German public-sector salary scale.
- Employment at either the University of Bonn or Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences.
- Fully funded fieldwork, travel, and related research expenses.
- Participation in a structured interdisciplinary training programme covering systems thinking, transdisciplinary research methods, and academic communication.
- Access to an international research network and dedicated career development support.
Eligibility
- Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant academic discipline, such as agricultural and food sciences, climate and earth sciences, development studies, ecology, economics, engineering, environmental sciences, health sciences, geography, public health, urban and regional studies, or social sciences.
- Demonstrated interest in urban transformation, the water-health nexus, and an interdisciplinary mindset.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English, supported by a B2 level certificate according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), TOEFL, or an equivalent qualification.
How to Apply
The application process involves a two-stage selection procedure, starting with a review by the RTG Selection Committee followed by virtual interviews for shortlisted candidates. Applicants must submit their materials through the online portal and indicate their chosen research theme from the four available options: Urban Health Resilience, Urban Disease Ecology, Governance and Institutional Change, and Adaptive Urban Ecosystems.
Required application documents include:
- A tabular Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic and professional background.
- Higher education degree certificates and full transcripts of records along with a grading system explanation.
- A motivation letter of no more than 500 words.
- A research exposé of up to 1,500 words aligned with one of the programme's four research themes.
- An interdisciplinary research statement of no more than 500 words.
- One letter of recommendation.
- An official English language proficiency certificate.
Deadline
The deadline to submit a complete application is 19 October 2026.