The University of Bonn and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences are inviting applications for 10 doctoral research positions through the new DFG Research Training Group (RTG) “Urban Future – managing transformations for a better health in blue cities.” The interdisciplinary doctoral programme will investigate how cities located along rivers and coastlines can manage urban transformation in ways that improve public health, social equity and ecological sustainability. The programme will begin on 1 April 2027, with successful candidates receiving a four-year doctoral support contract with remuneration based on TV-L pay grade 13 at 65% under the German public salary scale. Applications must be submitted online by 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. The programme examines the relationship between urban transformation, water-related challenges and public health. Particular attention is given to cities in the Global South, which will serve as important research contexts. The RTG is operated by the University of Bonn and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, in cooperation with the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) and partner institutions in Africa, Asia and Latin America. International partners include institutions in Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, Brazil and Japan. However, applicants can propose research sites in other Blue Cities around the world. Four Research Themes Doctoral researchers will develop projects within one of four overarching research themes. A. Urban Health Resilience This theme explores how cities and communities can strengthen their capacity to respond to environmental, social and health-related pressures associated with urban transformation. B. Urban Disease Ecology Research under this theme examines relationships between urban environments, ecological processes, water systems and disease dynamics. C. Governance and Institutional Change This research area focuses on institutions, governance systems, policies and the processes required to manage complex urban transformations. D. Adaptive Urban Ecosystems This theme examines how urban ecosystems can adapt to environmental change while supporting sustainability, resilience and human wellbeing. Applicants will need to indicate the specific research theme they are applying for as part of their application. What Will Doctoral Researchers Do? Successful candidates will participate actively in the structured RTG training programme and interdisciplinary seminars while conducting independent doctoral research. Their responsibilities will include: Developing and conducting doctoral research aligned with one of the four research themes Developing appropriate research methods Collecting and analysing data Publishing research findings Participating in interdisciplinary seminars and training Contributing to the development of Blue City concepts Supporting transdisciplinary knowledge exchange Engaging with researchers from different academic and professional disciplines The programme places particular emphasis on systems thinking and transdisciplinary research, enabling doctoral researchers to examine complex urban challenges from multiple perspectives. Who Can Apply? Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline. Eligible academic backgrounds may include: 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 Related disciplines Candidates should demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary mindset and a clear interest in areas such as urban transformation, the water-health nexus or urban health. Applicants must also have excellent written and spoken English skills. The call specifies an English proficiency level of B2 under the CEFR, demonstrated through an accepted certification such as TOEFL or an equivalent qualification. Funding and Benefits Successful doctoral researchers will receive a four-year doctoral support contract with remuneration based on TV-L pay grade 13 at 65%. The programme also provides funding for fieldwork, travel and related research expenses, helping doctoral researchers undertake international or location-specific research. Other benefits include: Structured doctoral supervision Clear progression criteria Career development support Interdisciplinary training Systems-thinking training Transdisciplinary research methods Academic communication training International research networks Disciplinary and soft-skills courses The programme is also committed to diversity and equal opportunity and is described as a family-friendly university environment. Application Requirements The selection process consists of two stages. Applications will first be assessed by the RTG Selection Committee, with shortlisted candidates invited to a virtual interview. Applicants should prepare: A tabular curriculum vitae Higher education degree certificates Full academic transcripts Explanation of the grading system for previous studies Motivation letter of no more than 500 words Research exposé of no more than 1,500 words Interdisciplinary research statement of no more than 500 words One letter of recommendation English language proficiency certification at B2 level or equivalent Applicants must also specify the research theme for which they are applying. Application Deadline and How to Apply The application deadline is 19 October 2026. Applications should be submitted through the University of Bonn’s online application portal. Prospective applicants should carefully review the official call and research themes before preparing their research exposé and interdisciplinary research statement. Key Details Programme: DFG Research Training Group Urban FuturePositions: 10 doctoral research positionsStudy level: PhD/DoctoralLocation: Bonn, GermanyStart date: 1 April 2027Duration: 4 yearsRemuneration: TV-L pay grade 13 at 65%Research focus: Urban health, water, governance, sustainability and Blue CitiesEnglish requirement: B2 CEFR or equivalentFieldwork/travel: Fully funded through the programmeDeadline: 19 October 2026 Final Thoughts The Urban Future Research Training Group provides an interdisciplinary doctoral research environment focused on the growing connections between urbanisation, water, health, governance and ecological sustainability. With four research themes, international partnerships and a particular focus on urban challenges in the Global South, the programme may be relevant to graduates from public health, environmental sciences, geography, engineering, social sciences, computer science and other related fields. Eligible Master’s graduates interested in urban health and complex urban systems should review the research themes and prepare their applications before the 19 October 2026 deadline. Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements, research-theme details and application instructions through the official University of Bonn portal before submitting their applications. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Important: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the offering organisation. This opportunity is shared for informational purposes based on the official announcement. Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements, application documents, deadline details and submission procedures directly with Umeå University before applying. GSO does not accept applications or CVs on behalf of applicants. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW