University of Tübingen PhD Positions in Global South Studies 2027
Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Latest UpdatesUniversity of Tübingen PhD Positions in Global South Studies 2027 | Apply Now
Fully Funded Doctoral Researcher Positions at Germany's Leading Research University
The University of Tübingen invites applications for six fully funded PhD positions in the DFG Research Training Group (RTG) 3105 "Figurations of the Precarious in the Global South." The four-year programme offers interdisciplinary research opportunities across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Apply before 1 September 2026.
About the University
The University of Tübingen is one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious universities, internationally recognised for its excellence in research and higher education. With a strong focus on interdisciplinary scholarship and international collaboration, the university provides an ideal environment for doctoral researchers.
The Interdisciplinary Centre for Global South Studies hosts the Research Training Group, offering doctoral candidates access to experienced academic supervisors, international research networks, and a vibrant international research community.
About the Programme
The Research Training Group (RTG) 3105: "Figurations of the Precarious in the Global South" explores how people and communities across the Global South experience, interpret, and respond to different forms of precarity. The programme investigates the concept of precarity from an interdisciplinary perspective, examining how it is shaped by interconnected social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental factors across different regions.
The programme encourages comparative research across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, providing opportunities for international collaboration and cross-regional learning. Doctoral researchers will become part of an international academic community where they can work with scholars from different disciplines, participate in seminars and workshops, and contribute to collective academic activities.
Quick Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Research Training Group 3105: "Figurations of the Precarious in the Global South" |
| Host University | University of Tübingen, Germany |
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded PhD Positions |
| Funding | E13 TV-L (75%) for 4 years |
| Eligible Applicants | Outstanding graduates with a Master's degree |
| Location | Tübingen, Germany |
| Duration | 4 Years (Starting 1 April 2027) |
| Number of Positions | 6 Doctoral Researchers |
| Application Deadline | 1 September 2026 |
| Status | Applications Open |
Opportunity Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Host University | University of Tübingen |
| Programme | RTG 3105: "Figurations of the Precarious in the Global South" |
| Programme Type | Doctoral Research Programme |
| Funding Category | Fully Funded (E13 TV-L, 75%) |
| Eligible Applicants | Master's graduates with excellent academic records |
| Location | Tübingen, Germany |
| Application Mode | Online via University Portal |
Programme Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Fully Funded | Four-year doctoral positions with funding |
| Salary | E13 TV-L (75%) - Germany's public sector pay scale |
| Duration | 4 years (starting 1 April 2027) |
| Supervision | Access to experienced academic supervisors |
| International Network | Research collaborations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America |
| Interdisciplinary | Work across multiple academic disciplines |
| Professional Development | Seminars, workshops, and academic conferences |
Research Areas
The programme is organised around five thematic research areas examining different dimensions of precarity:
| Research Theme | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Social Inequalities | Marginalisation, social exclusion, inequality |
| Political Uncertainty | Political instability, governance challenges |
| Economic Precarity | Economic insecurity, livelihood challenges |
| Environmental Challenges | Ecological precarity, climate vulnerability |
| Cultural Responses | Resilience, adaptation, community responses |
The interdisciplinary approach allows candidates to engage with perspectives from multiple academic fields while contributing original research to the growing field of Global South Studies.
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Excellent Master's degree in a relevant academic discipline |
| Expertise | Demonstrated knowledge of one or more regions of the Global South |
| Research Proposal | Innovative doctoral research proposal focusing on figurations of the precarious |
| Language | Strong academic English language skills |
| Interdisciplinary Interest | Willingness to collaborate across disciplines |
| Commitment | Active participation in the programme's academic activities |
Selection Criteria
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | Outstanding academic record |
| Regional Expertise | Knowledge of Asia, Africa, or Latin America |
| Research Quality | Innovative and feasible research proposal |
| Interdisciplinary Potential | Ability to work across disciplines |
| Fit | Alignment with the programme's research themes |
Application Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Review the programme's research themes and eligibility criteria |
| 2 | Develop a strong doctoral research proposal on figurations of the precarious |
| 3 | Prepare application materials (CV, transcripts, proposal, references) |
| 4 | Submit your application through the University of Tübingen portal |
| 5 | Await selection notification |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | July 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 1 September 2026 |
| Programme Start | 1 April 2027 |
| Duration | Four years |
Important Links
| Description | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Now | |
| Enquiries | sekretariat.ibero@romanistik.uni-tuebingen.de (Prof. Dr. Sebastian Thies) |
| University of Tübingen |
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the Research Training Group? | A four-year doctoral programme investigating precarity in the Global South from an interdisciplinary perspective. |
| How many positions are available? | Six doctoral researcher positions. |
| What is the funding? | E13 TV-L (75%) for four years. |
| Who can apply? | Outstanding graduates with a Master's degree and expertise in the Global South. |
| What is the application deadline? | 1 September 2026. |
| When does the programme start? | 1 April 2027. |
| Where is the programme based? | University of Tübingen, Germany. |
| What are the research themes? | Social inequalities, political uncertainty, economic precarity, environmental challenges, cultural responses. |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The University of Tübingen's Research Training Group offers exceptional fully funded PhD opportunities in the interdisciplinary field of Global South Studies. The programme's focus on "Figurations of the Precarious" provides a timely and relevant research framework for addressing social, political, and ecological challenges affecting communities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The six doctoral positions are highly competitive and offer comprehensive funding under Germany's E13 TV-L salary scale. The collaborative research environment, international partnerships, and access to leading scholars make this an ideal opportunity for researchers interested in global inequalities and social transformation.
We recommend that applicants develop a strong, innovative research proposal that aligns with the programme's thematic areas and demonstrates clear connections to the Global South. Proficiency in English is essential, and additional language skills relevant to the research region are an advantage.
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Global South Researchers | Ideal for those with expertise in Asia, Africa, or Latin America |
| Interdisciplinary Scholars | Suitable for those interested in cross-disciplinary research |
| Precarity Researchers | Perfect for those studying social, political, economic, or environmental precarity |
| Early-Career Researchers | Great for outstanding Master's graduates |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| University of Tübingen PhD Positions | High |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Recommendation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| Funding | Excellent – fully funded for four years |
| Academic Reputation | Outstanding – study at a leading German university |
| Research Focus | Timely and relevant – Global South and precarity |
| Interdisciplinary | Strong – collaborate across multiple disciplines |
| Apply Now | Develop your research proposal and submit your application before 1 September 2026. Ensure your proposal aligns with the programme's thematic areas and demonstrates your expertise in the Global South. Good luck! |
