Research Associate (PhD position) for the DFG project (65%) in Bonn, Deutschland

The University of Bonn is an international research university offering a broad range of subjects. With a 200-year history, some 31,500 students, more than 6,000 employees and an outstanding reputation in Germany and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the leading universities in Germany and has been awarded the status of a University of Excellence.

The Department of Southeastasia is looking to fill the following position from January 1st, 2027, or as soon as possible, initially on a fixed-term contract according to § 2(1) WissZeitVG until December, 31, 2029

Research Associate (PhD position) for the DFG project (65%)

Working the Plantationocene. Ecological Labour Regimes of the Palm Oil Value Chain (PALMWORK)

PALMWORK examines the relationship between labour and the environment along the palm oil value chain, particularly in the areas of production (plantations and oil mills) and social reproduction. The project is designed as a qualitative comparative analysis of case studies from Northeast India, Ghana and Colombia. It builds on research from the fields of labour regime analysis, (feminist) labour geography, environmental labour studies and political ecology on the materiality of nature and the society–nature metabolism. The project is being carried out as part of the DFG Priority Programme 2575 ‘Sustainability and Resilience of Agri-Food Chains’ and consists of three sub-projects located at the University of Bonn, the Free University of Berlin and the University of Kassel. The position is for the sub-project in Northeast India, and is based at Bonn University.

Your tasks:

• Field research with plantation and mill workers in North-East India
• Contribution to joint publications
• Contribution to science communication

Your profile:

• A completed academic degree (Master’s) in the social sciences or earth sciences (political science, human geography, regional studies, sociology or equivalent)
• Willingness to conduct independent field research in Northeast India
• Very good spoken and written English
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• ntercultural and diversity competence

Desirable:

• Experience of conducting independent research in India
• Good knowledge of qualitative research methods
• Experience with working and researching with (palm oil) workers
• Good command of a language spoken in Northeast India (e.g. Assamese, Bengali, Nepali)
• Good knowledge of the project’s research area (political ecology, political economy, analysis of labour regimes, environmental labour studies, labour geography)

We offer:

• Opportunity to pursue a PhD
• Be part of a cutting-edge research team
• Be part of a larger network of scholars in the DFG Special Programme
• Flexible working hours and the ability to work from home
• Remuneration in accordance with TV-L pay grade 13

The University of Bonn promotes an open, respectful, and non-discriminatory academic culture and is actively committed to equal opportunity and family friendliness. We aim to eliminate structural disadvantages and to strengthen diversity in research, teaching, and administration. Therefore, we welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic or social background, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability, or age. 

Applications from women and people with a documented severe disability (or equivalent status) will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the State Equality Act (LGG) NRW and Social Code (SGB) IX.

Project start is January 1st, 2027. Please send your application (with motivation letter, CV and writing sample (if available) with the application code 2026/447 to [email protected] . Application deadline is 22th November, 2026.