Doctoral Researcher Wiss| MESH - Multidisciplinary Environmental Studies

Doctoral Researcher (f/m/x) Wiss
2512-16 | MESH - Multidisciplinary Environmental Studies in the Humanities

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Doctoral Researcher (f/m/x)

MESH - Multidisciplinary Environmental Studies in the Humanities

University of Cologne has 6 Faculties covering a broad spectrum of disciplines & has developed internationally outstanding research profile areas o...

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 TRR
228 “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.

• Develop a PhD project on the topic of FUTURE CONSERVATION with an in‑depth focus on social‑ecological transformations in the Zambezi Floodplains of western Zambia
• Conduct 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
• Participate 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)

• Completed Master‘s degree (MA) in Social and Cultural Anthropology (or related disciplines)
• Expertise in environmental anthropology and experience in empirical social science research preferably with ethnographic methods
• Keen interest and preferably experience in interdisciplinary research and team‑work
• Willingness to conduct several months of ethnographic research in south‑central Africa and to learn the local vernacular Silozi
• Excellent knowledge of English is required; knowledge of German or willingness to learn German for communication purposes is desired
• Driver’s licence

• 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 (Land Oesgleichstellungsgesetz – 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 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  The reference number is Wiss
2512-16. The Final date to receive applications is 18 January 2026. For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Franz Krause () and take a look at our FAQs.