University of Bonn Urban Future Fully Funded PhD Positions in Germany 2027

The University Hospital Bonn is recruiting 10 doctoral researchers for the DFG Research Training Group Urban Future – Managing Transformations for a Better Health in Blue Cities. Successful applicants will be offered a 4-year doctoral support contract with remuneration dependent on TV-L pay grade 13 (65%) according to the German public salary scale; Employment will be either at the University of Bonn or the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences. Degrees will be obtained from the medical, mathematical-natural science, philosophical or agricultural, nutritional and engineering sciences faculties or the Doctoral College NRW, respectively, depending on disciplinary background and research focus. 

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 19, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Bonn
• City to studyNorth Rhine-Westphalia
• School to studyUniversity of Bonn
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• 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

Requirements

• Completed Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (eg, 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

Selection Process

• 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.

Application Documents

• 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)
• One letter of recommendation
• English language proficiency certification (B2 level (CEFR, TOEFL or equivalent))

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Eutopia PhD Co-tutelle Call

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Apply via the application portal.

For more information, kindly visit the University of Bonn webpage.