Doctoral Researcher in Social and Cultural Anthropology (f/m/x) - Köln

Doctoral Researcher in Social and Cultural Anthropology (f/m/x)

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 Center CRC-TRR 228 “Future Rural Africa. Future-making and social-ecological transformation“ combines expertise from the University of Bonn and the University of Cologne to study newly emerging issues of social-ecological transformation and future-making in Africa. Project Energy Futures invites applications for a Doctoral Research Position in the field of Social and Cultural Anthropology.

YOUR TASKS

• Conducting long-term (ca. 1 year) ethnographic research on local socio-economic impacts associated with the expansion of geothermal and/or other renewable energy infrastructure in rural Kenya, including support in the implementation of a household survey in Kenya

• Conception, preparation, and defense of a doctoral thesis on the above topic

• Writing project-related scholarly publications and presenting research results at academic conferences

• Participation in and contribution to regular team meetings in Cologne and Bonn

YOUR PROFILE

• An excellent Master or equivalent degree in Social/Cultural Anthroplogy or in a closely related discipline

• Excellent knowledge of and experience with (qualitative) ethnographic research methods

• Unrestricted ability to travel and willingness to work independently in tropical climatic conditions, including extended independent field research stays in urban and rural areas of East Africa

• Excellent command of written and spoken English

• A valid drivers license

• Flexibility, team orientation, and interest in professional development in academia or related fields

• Motivation for empirical and conceptual work in an interdisciplinary research team

WE OFFER

• Integration into the outstanding research environment of the Global South Studies Center (GSSC) at the University of Cologne

• 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

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 (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – 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 1st of April 2026 on a part-time basis (27,88 hours per week). It is limited 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 photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2512-14.

The application deadline is 18 January 2026.

For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Clemens Greiner (clemens.greiner@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.