PhD Position in Agricultural: The Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO), based in Halle (Saale), Germany, is seeking applications for a PhD position with a 65% workload (TV-L E13). The position is available from 1 January 2024 or later, with a contract duration of three years, extendable based on performance. The selected candidate will undertake PhD research within the Department of Agricultural Policy, under the guidance of Dr. Kathleen Hermans and Prof. Dr. Thomas Herzfeld. This research opportunity aims to empirically investigate the impact of climate change and land degradation risk perceptions on the adaptation strategies of small-scale farmers in post-Soviet Central Asia, particularly focusing on migration. The research outcomes are expected to offer valuable insights for policymaking and the promotion of sustainable agriculture practices.
Summary Table:
| Study Area | Scholarship Description |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Development | PhD Position (65%, TV-L E13) |
| Contract Duration: 3 years, extendable | |
| Research Area: Climate Change, Land Degradation | |
| Application Deadline: 12 November 2023 |
Study Area: The scholarship position falls within the realm of Agricultural Development, with a specific focus on understanding the influence of climate change and land degradation risk perceptions on the adaptation strategies of small-scale farmers in Central Asia.
Scholarship Description:
PhD Position in Agricultural Development Research (65%, TV-L E13)
This PhD position offers an exciting opportunity to conduct research at IAMO and contribute to the Department of Agricultural Policy’s efforts. The research project’s primary objective is to empirically assess how small-scale farmers in post-Soviet Central Asia perceive climate change and land degradation risks and how these perceptions shape their decisions, particularly regarding migration. The research involves conducting extensive empirical work in rural Central Asia, including data collection and analysis, thesis and article writing for international journals, and active participation in academic activities. The successful candidate will be an integral part of IAMO’s interdisciplinary and international research community, with support for fieldwork, participation in seminars and conferences, and the publication process.
Eligibility: We are seeking highly motivated candidates who meet the following criteria:
- Hold a master’s degree in social sciences (human geography, sociology, development studies, resource economics, or a related field).
- Possess proven skills in quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis, including programming skills in R or a readiness to acquire these skills.
- Have experience in designing and conducting empirical social science research in low- and middle-income countries.
- Demonstrate a willingness and ability to work collaboratively within an international team for fieldwork.
- Exhibit excellent English language skills (both written and oral); knowledge of the Russian language is advantageous.
- Show an active interest in participating in IAMO activities.
Required Documents: Applicants should provide the following documents in English:
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum vitae
- Research concept related to the proposed topic, outlining objectives and methodology (one-page maximum)
- Copies of transcripts and certificates for bachelor’s, master’s, or equivalent courses, along with English language certificates if the MSc thesis was not in English.
- Names and contact information for two academic referees.
Applicants are also encouraged to submit electronic copies of their master’s or diploma theses and any scientific publications they have authored.
How to Apply: Please send the complete set of application documents as a single PDF file to application.agpolicy@iamo.de. The application deadline is 12 November 2023, or until the position is filled. Note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview via email. For inquiries about the position, please reach out to Dr. Kathleen Hermans at khermans@iamo.de.
Last Date: The application deadline for this scholarship is 12 November 2023 or until the position is filled.
About IAMO: IAMO is a research institute dedicated to agricultural development, focusing on the formerly centrally planned economies of Europe and Asia. It offers a dynamic, international, and multidisciplinary research environment, including excellent technical facilities. The successful candidate will become a member of the IAMO Graduate School and work towards a doctoral degree from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, based at IAMO in Halle (Saale). IAMO encourages applications from female researchers and gives preference to disabled applicants with suitable qualifications. Data protection information for applicants can be found here.
