The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) is one of the world’s leading research institutions and think tanks for global sustainable development. It contributes, through research, policy advice and training, to finding answers to global questions affecting our future.

We offer an excellent and support-intensive research environment in the field of development policy with regular research workshops with internationally recognized scientists, international conferences, and the opportunity to participate in research stays abroad.

IDOS Department Transformation of Economic and Social Systems is looking for a

**Doctoral Researcher (m/f/diverse) - Position No. 2026-B-01**

Part time 65%, 25,4 hours/week,

German public sector tariff, EG13 [TVoeD Bund](https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tvoed/bund/) according to previous work experience

40.800  – 58.500 Euro gross (65%)

The position may be filled as soon as possible for a fixed term until 31. December 2029.

The position is located in the DFG funded Collaborative Research Center CRC-TRR 228 (“Future Rural Africa: Future-making and social-ecological transformation”) and precisely the subproject ‘Science Futures’ located at IDOS and the Institute for Sociology, University of Bonn under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Anna-Katharina Hornidge and Prof. Dr. David Kaldewey. The CRC overall brings together expertise from the two Universities of Bonn and Cologne, IDOS and BICC to study newly emerging issues of social-ecological transformation and future-making in Africa ([https://crc-trr228.de](https://crc-trr228.de)). “Science Futures” studies science-policy interfaces (SPIs) in Kenya and Tanzania. Building on the preceding project (2022-2025), we examine science-based policy advice, transfer and dialogue between researchers and decision-makers in those rural development contexts that have been most intensively worked on in the CRC.

We invite candidates who aspire to combine the acquisition of professional experience with the preparation of a PhD dissertation in the context of the IDOS dual PhD Programme. The PhD-research is designed as part of ‘Science Futures’ to study science-based policy advice, and how it is structured and practised in the three domains of agriculture, infrastructure, and education. In particular, the PhD-workpackage focuses on the role of international organizations, NGOs and international research institutions in advisory processes to the governments of Kenya and Tanzania. The PhD will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Anna-Katharina Hornidge at IDOS and the University of Bonn, Faculty of Social Sciences as degree-holding institution.

In its semi-structured PhD program, IDOS combines a focus on both research and policy advice and offers a blend of: a) group mentoring and training activities, b) self-organized peer mentoring among the PhD group, and c) one-on-one mentoring with the PhD supervisors and mentors. The programme ensures excellent working conditions for the successful and timely completion of the PhD studies, as well as an effective combination of project and dissertation work. As a general rule, at least 50% of the working time is envisioned to be dedicated exclusively to working on the dissertation.

If you have obtained a foreign university degree, please attach the database excerpt from Anabin to your application documents as proof of recognition of the degree by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK).

**Your tasks:**

1.         Develop an individual PhD-research agenda including research question, conceptual and methodological design in the frame of the work-package ‘International Organizations as Brokers of Change’ within Science Futures; Conduct fieldwork in Kenya and Tanzania;
2.         Collaborate closely within the project ‘Science Futures’ in order to jointly ensure the full implementation of the project;
3.         Collaborate closely with project partners in Bonn, Cologne, and various institutions in Kenya and Tanzania;
4.         Participate and contribute to IDOS dual PhD-programme, as well as to IDOS as an institute as a whole.

**Qualifications and requirements:**

5.         Masters degree in a relevant field of the social sciences (e.g. Human Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Area Studies, Science & Technology Studies);
6.         Proven knowledge in and experience with research methodologies in social sciences, esp. qualitative and ethnographic social research methods;
7.         Strong motivation and commitment towards pursuing a PhD;
8.         Research or work experience in Africa is an asset;
9.         Eagerness to work in an interdisciplinary, globally dispersed team;
10.         Strong writing, communication and organizational skills;
11.         Fluent written and spoken English, good command of Swahili or German are an asset;
12.         Willingness and aptness to travel abroad, including countries with a tropical climate („Tropical suitability required“).

**We offer:**

- Flexible working hours with a weekly working time of 65%, 25,4 hours/week;
- Possibility of mobile working (“Homeoffice” within Germany up to 60% per week);
- Possibility to use a subsidized Deutschland-Job-Ticket and good access to public transportation;
- Special annual payment in accordance with TVoeD Bund “Collective agreement of the federal government”;
- Up to 30 days annual vacation plus 6 days company vacation;
- Trainings for further professional development;
- Employer's contribution to the company pension scheme at VBLU;
- Many more social and monetary benefits.

We actively promote equality between women and men as well as the diversity of all people in our institute. Therefore, we welcome applications from people of colour, people of all nationalities, religions and beliefs, sexual orientations and gender identities, all age groups and people with disabilities. We are also looking forward to receiving applications from people with a family migration history.

IDOS is certified by the audit workandfamily – Compatibility of work and family.

For further questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Anna-Katharina Hornidge (directorate.office@idos-research.de).

Applications with the **position number** **2026-B-01 **with detailed documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, relevant certificates) must be submitted exclusively via [**application portal**](https://onlinebewerbungsserver.de/ApplyForm/AppStart.aspx?c=6_CC_5E_D5_7C_D7_7Bv_06w1b_FC_80Y_DD_D6r_25L_2A_CD_BAX_9E_12_9Aj_F4m_DA8_97_A1_9E_1B_B4_DCBLb_E2d_C6_B2_D4_C6r) by 22 February 2026 at 23:59 CET. Interviews are expected to take place in March 2026.