University of Bonn Urban Future PhD Positions 2027: 10 Funded Doctoral Opportunities in Germany
Apply for 10 doctoral research positions through the new DFG Research Training Group (RTG) "Urban Future – managing transformations for a better health in blue cities" at the University of Bonn and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences. This interdisciplinary doctoral programme investigates how cities located along rivers and coastlines can manage urban transformation in ways that improve public health, social equity, and ecological sustainability.
Receive a four-year doctoral support contract with remuneration based on TV-L pay grade 13 at 65% under the German public salary scale, with fully funded fieldwork and travel.
Quick Highlights
Opportunity Name
University of Bonn Urban Future PhD Positions 2027
Host Institutions
University of Bonn & Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
Positions
10 Doctoral Research Positions
Location
Bonn, Germany
Duration
4 Years
Remuneration
TV-L Pay Grade 13 at 65%
Start Date
1 April 2027
Application Deadline
19 October 2026
Opportunity Overview
Host Institutions
University of Bonn & Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences
Programme
DFG Research Training Group "Urban Future"
Positions
10 Doctoral Research Positions
Location
Bonn, Germany
Duration
4 Years
Remuneration
TV-L Pay Grade 13 at 65%
Start Date
1 April 2027
Application Mode
Online Application Portal
Application Deadline
19 October 2026
About the Urban Future PhD Programme
The Urban Future Research Training Group focuses on the concept of the "Blue City." In this approach, water is considered more than a natural resource or potential hazard. Rivers, coastlines, and other water environments are integrated into urban planning, infrastructure, and the identity of communities.
Key Features:
Feature
Description
Blue City Concept
Water integrated into urban planning and identity
Interdisciplinary
Multiple academic disciplines
Global South Focus
Cities in Global South as key research contexts
International Partners
Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, Brazil, Japan
Systems Thinking
Emphasis on complex urban challenges
Transdisciplinary Research
Multiple perspectives on urban issues
Four Research Themes
Theme
Description
A. Urban Health Resilience
Strengthening capacity to respond to environmental, social and health-related pressures
B. Urban Disease Ecology
Relationships between urban environments, ecological processes, water systems and disease dynamics
C. Governance and Institutional Change
Institutions, governance systems, policies and processes for managing urban transformations
D. Adaptive Urban Ecosystems
How urban ecosystems adapt to environmental change while supporting sustainability and wellbeing
What Will Doctoral Researchers Do?
Responsibility
Description
Research Development
Develop and conduct doctoral research aligned with research themes
Methodology
Develop appropriate research methods
Data Work
Collect and analyse data
Publication
Publish research findings
Seminars
Participate in interdisciplinary seminars and training
Concept Development
Contribute to development of Blue City concepts
Knowledge Exchange
Support transdisciplinary knowledge exchange
Collaboration
Engage with researchers from different disciplines
Who Can Apply?
Education:
Criterion
Requirement
Degree
Master's degree or equivalent
Disciplines
Agricultural and Food Systems, Climate and Earth Sciences, Development Studies, Ecology and Life Sciences, Economics and Management, Mathematics and Physics, Computer Science, Environmental and Health Sciences, Geography, Infectious Diseases, Hygiene and Infection Control, Medical Microbiology, Public Health, Urban and Regional Studies, Social Sciences, and related disciplines
Language
English proficiency at B2 level (CEFR)
Skills:
Skill
Description
Interdisciplinary
Strong interdisciplinary mindset
Interest
Interest in urban transformation, water-health nexus, urban health
English
Excellent written and spoken English
Funding and Benefits
Benefit
Description
Contract
Four-year doctoral support contract
Remuneration
TV-L pay grade 13 at 65%
Fieldwork
Fully funded fieldwork and travel
Supervision
Structured doctoral supervision
Progression
Clear progression criteria
Career Development
Career development support
Training
Interdisciplinary training, systems-thinking, transdisciplinary research
Urban Health Resilience, Urban Disease Ecology, Governance, Adaptive Urban Ecosystems
What disciplines are eligible?
Public Health, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Social Sciences, Computer Science, and related fields
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The University of Bonn Urban Future PhD Positions offer an exceptional opportunity for doctoral researchers interested in the intersection of urbanisation, water, health, governance, and sustainability. The programme's focus on "Blue Cities" and the water-health nexus addresses critical global challenges, particularly in the Global South.
The four-year funded positions with TV-L 13 at 65% provide comprehensive financial support, including fieldwork and travel funding. The structured training programme, interdisciplinary seminars, and international research networks offer strong career development opportunities.
For Master's graduates from public health, environmental sciences, geography, social sciences, and related fields, this programme provides a pathway to contribute to cutting-edge research on urban transformation and health.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
Public Health Graduates
✓
Environmental Sciences Graduates
✓
Geography Graduates
✓
Social Sciences Graduates
✓
Computer Science Graduates
✓
Urban Studies Graduates
✓
International Students
✓
Competition Level
Category
Level
Overall Competition
High
Selection Difficulty
High
Application Complexity
High
CareerFlora Recommendation
Recommendation Area
Details
Overall Rating
★★★★★
Funding Value
Excellent
Career Impact
Excellent
Networking
Excellent
Application Difficulty
High
Global South Focus
Yes
This opportunity is highly recommended for Master's graduates interested in urban health, water systems, and sustainability. The funded positions, interdisciplinary environment, and international partnerships make this an exceptional PhD opportunity.
Final Call-to-Action
Visit the official University of Bonn Urban Future programme page to review the complete details and research themes. Prepare your application materials including CV, transcripts, motivation letter, research exposé, and interdisciplinary research statement. Submit through the online portal before the 19 October 2026 deadline.
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