Doctoral Researcher (f/m/x) - CRC TRR228 Future Rural Africa - Köln

Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Doctoral Researcher (f/m/x)
MESH - Multidisciplinary Environmental Studies in the Humanities

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The Collaborative Research Centre CRC TRR228 “Future Rural Africa“ combines expertise from the two universities of Bonn and Cologne to study newly emerging issues of social-ecological transformation and future making in Africa. Project A04 Future Conservation invites applications for a doctoral researcher position.

YOUR TASKS
» Developing a PhD project on the topic of FUTURE CONSERVATION with an indepth focus on social-ecological transformations in the Zambezi Floodplains of western Zambia
» Conducting ethnographic fieldwork in Zambia for about 12-15 months
» Data collection and analysis
» Presentation of results in the form of regular reports, lectures, publications and community-centered dissemination
» Participating in regular project meetings and engagement in interdisciplinary collaborations within the Collaborative Research Centre
» Support in the organization of academic and policy events (conferences, workshops, working meetings)

WE OFFER
» A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
» Support in balancing work and family life
» Extensive advanced training opportunities
» Occupational health management offers
» Flexible working time models
» Opportunity to work remotely

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (LandOesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 1 April 2026 on a part-time basis (27,88 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term until 31 December 2029. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.
Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications (without a photo) under https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2512-16. The application deadline is 18 January 2026. For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Franz Krause (f.krause@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.