Summary
The Collaborative Research Center (CRC-TRR 228) invites applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship under Project B03 “Violent Futures? Contestations along Carbon Frontiers in East Africa” hosted at the University of Bonn in collaboration with the University of Cologne.
PhD Scholarship Opportunity (Fully Funded), University of Bonn, Germany
This doctoral project explores how carbon credit and climate finance projects in Kenya and Tanzania influence land-use politics, resource conflicts, and socio-ecological transformations in rural Africa.
Designation
PhD Research Fellow / Doctoral Scholarship (Fully Funded)
Scholarship Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | PhD in Social-Ecological Transformation |
| Project | CRC Project B03 – Violent Futures? Carbon Frontiers in East Africa |
| Institution | University of Bonn (CRC-TRR 228) |
| Collaboration | University of Cologne |
| Duration | 41 months |
| Monthly Stipend | €1,475 |
| Start Date | August 2026 (preferred: 1 August 2026) |
| Application Deadline | 21 June 2026 (EAT) |
| Research Region | Kenya & Tanzania (Fieldwork) |
Research Area
- Climate Finance & Carbon Credit Systems
- Political Ecology
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Land-use Change & Rural Development
- Environmental Anthropology
- Resource Governance in East Africa
Location
- Host Institution: Bonn, Germany
- Collaborating Institution: Cologne, Germany
- Fieldwork Area: Rural Kenya and Tanzania
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must have:
- MSc/MA in one of the following or related fields:
Sociology, Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Political Science, Geography, Development Studies, Peace & Conflict Studies, Economics - Strong interest in:
- Resource conflicts
- Land rights and rural development
- Climate finance and carbon markets
- Solid academic writing and qualitative research skills
- Willingness to conduct long-term ethnographic fieldwork in rural East Africa
- Familiarity with:
- Political ecology
- Conflict studies
- Pastoralism and land-use transformation
- Strong English proficiency (Swahili knowledge is highly desirable)
- Ability to work independently and within interdisciplinary teams
Job Description / Responsibilities
The selected PhD researcher will:
- Conduct long-term ethnographic fieldwork in Kenya and Tanzania
- Study how carbon credit projects shape conflict dynamics and social relations
- Develop and defend a doctoral dissertation on the topic
- Publish academic papers related to the project
- Present research findings at international conferences
- Participate in regular CRC team meetings in Bonn and Cologne
How to Apply
Applicants must submit one single PDF file via email:
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter (1–2 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research statement (1–3 pages) linking:
- Carbon projects
- Climate finance
- Peace and conflict studies
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Contact details of 2–3 academic referees
- 1–3 academic publications or writing samples (if available)
Last Date for Application
📌 21 June 2026 (EAT)
📬 Interviews
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview
- In-person interviews may be required if necessary
📩 Further Information
For queries, contact:
📧 emmanuel.sulle@aku.edu
🌍 About the Host Institutions
- University of Bonn Official Website
A leading German research university with strong international focus in interdisciplinary studies and sustainability research. - University of Cologne Official Website
One of Germany’s oldest universities, known for excellence in social sciences, environmental research, and global development studies.
