The University of Göttingen invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in its Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development. The position offers an opportunity to undertake research and prepare a PhD thesis.
Application deadline: 30 October 2026
Start date: 1 March 2027
Duration: Three years, ending 28 February 2030
Location: Göttingen, Germany, with travel and extended research stays in the Global South
Salary: German public service scale TV-L E13 at 65%, equivalent to 25.87 working hours per week
Research focus
The successful candidate will investigate sustainable land use, technology adoption and/or market participation in the Global South. Potential topics include:
- Voluntary sustainability standards
- Institutions and incentives supporting sustainable land-use decisions
- Digitalisation and climate adaptation
- Food security and resilience outcomes
Key responsibilities
- Design and conduct field research, including household surveys.
- Analyse quantitative primary and secondary data using statistical and econometric methods.
- Collaborate with researchers across disciplines.
- Present and publish research findings.
- Contribute to the chair’s teaching programme.
Eligibility
Applicants should have:
- An outstanding master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics or a related discipline.
- Strong analytical skills and experience with quantitative research methods.
- A demonstrated interest in rural development economics, sustainable agri-food systems, food security or related fields.
- Willingness and ability to undertake fieldwork in tropical countries.
- Excellent English language skills.
Experience working in tropical countries and in intercultural or interdisciplinary teams is an advantage.
How to apply
Submit the following documents as one PDF through the university’s application portal:
- Motivation letter
- CV, including contact details for two referees
- University certificates and academic transcripts
- A one- to two-page summary of your master’s thesis
Apply through the University of Göttingen portal
Deadline: 30 October 2026
Enquiries
Jessica Torluccio
Email: jessica.torluccio@uni-goettingen.de
The university welcomes applicants of all genders and particularly encourages applications from qualified women and people with severe disabilities.
