The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) has officially opened applications for an exciting Doctoral Researcher (f/m/diverse) opportunity under the internationally recognized FoodDiverse research initiative. This position presents a remarkable opportunity for aspiring researchers and future academics who want to combine professional research experience with a fully supported PhD journey focused on sustainable food systems, nutrition, behavioral transformation, and development policy.
The doctoral position is hosted within the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center (CRC 1780) “Food System Diversification for Sustainable Nutrition” (FoodDiverse), a major interdisciplinary research initiative jointly implemented by the University of Bonn, IDOS, and the University of Ghana.
Selected candidates will become part of a globally connected research environment examining how diversified food systems can improve nutrition, sustainability, and planetary health across Germany and Ghana.
The position is expected to begin on 01 October 2026 and will initially run for three years, with the possibility of an extension of up to nine additional months.
About the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)
The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) is one of Germany’s leading research institutions focused on development policy and sustainability studies. The institute is widely recognized for producing high-quality research, offering independent policy advice, and promoting international cooperation around sustainable futures.
IDOS combines academic excellence with practical policy engagement, creating a research environment where doctoral researchers can contribute directly to global conversations on sustainability, development, social transformation, and international cooperation.
Researchers at IDOS benefit from:
- Internationally recognized mentorship
- Participation in research workshops and conferences
- Exposure to global policy discussions
- Opportunities for international collaboration
- Research stays abroad
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
- Structured doctoral supervision
Overview of the FoodDiverse Research Project
The selected doctoral researcher will join the FoodDiverse Collaborative Research Center, a major research consortium focused on understanding the relationship between food system diversification and sustainable nutrition.
The project brings together experts from various disciplines, including:
- Agronomy
- Sociology
- Agricultural Economics
- Environmental Sciences
- Nutrition
- Human Health
- Ecology
- Political Sciences
- Anthropology
Researchers within the project investigate how agricultural diversity, market structures, and dietary patterns influence both human health and environmental sustainability.
The doctoral researcher will specifically contribute to the subproject titled:
“Behavioral Strategies to Diversify Food Consumption”
The research will focus heavily on:
- Plant-based protein consumption
- Food behavior transformation
- Policy and discourse analysis
- Sustainable nutrition systems
- Social and cultural food practices
- Consumer behavior in Germany and Ghana
Research Focus and PhD Structure
The doctoral project is embedded within the IDOS Dual PhD Programme, which combines advanced academic research with practical policy-oriented engagement.
The PhD research will involve empirical fieldwork in both Germany and Ghana, allowing the researcher to study food consumption patterns and behavioral transformation across different social and cultural contexts.
A major focus of the research includes:
- Investigating plant-based protein intake across social groups
- Exploring discourse around sustainable food systems
- Analyzing policy frameworks influencing food diversification
- Studying transformational consumption behavior
- Examining sustainable nutrition strategies
The doctoral candidate will be supervised by:
- Prof. Dr. Anna-Katharina Hornidge
- Jun.-Prof. Dr. Dominic Lemken
- Prof. Dr. Monika Hartmann
The University of Bonn Faculty of Social Sciences will serve as the degree-awarding institution.
What Makes This PhD Opportunity Unique?
This opportunity goes beyond a standard doctoral position. It combines:
1. Academic Research Excellence
Researchers receive direct access to:
- International conferences
- Research workshops
- High-level scientific mentoring
- Collaborative interdisciplinary networks
2. Structured PhD Support
IDOS offers a semi-structured PhD programme including:
- Group mentoring
- Peer mentoring
- One-on-one supervision
- Research training activities
- Dissertation support
At least 50% of the working time is dedicated exclusively to dissertation research.
3. International Fieldwork Experience
The project includes fieldwork in:
- Ghana
- Germany
This provides practical international research exposure and cross-cultural research experience.
4. Policy and Real-World Impact
The research contributes directly to ongoing discussions on:
- Sustainable nutrition
- Food security
- Climate-sensitive diets
- Development policy
- Behavioral transformation
Job Responsibilities
The selected doctoral researcher will undertake several important responsibilities within the FoodDiverse project.
Main Tasks Include:
- Developing an individual PhD research agenda
- Designing conceptual and methodological research frameworks
- Conducting empirical fieldwork in Ghana and Germany
- Performing discourse and policy analysis
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams
- Working closely with project partners in both countries
- Participating actively in the IDOS Dual PhD Programme
- Contributing to institutional activities at IDOS
Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and research potential.
Required Qualifications
Candidates should possess:
- A Master’s degree in relevant disciplines such as:
- Sociology
- Human Geography
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- Agricultural Sciences
- Nutrition Sciences
Required Skills and Experience
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Knowledge of qualitative social science research methods
- Experience with ethnographic research
- Strong communication abilities
- Excellent academic writing skills
- Organizational competence
- Motivation to pursue doctoral research
- Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
Additional Advantages
The following are considered strong assets:
- Research or professional experience in Africa
- Knowledge of German language
- International collaboration experience
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Fluent written and spoken English
German language proficiency is beneficial but not mandatory.
Travel Requirement
Candidates must be willing to conduct international travel and fieldwork, including work in tropical climates.
Salary and Employment Benefits
The doctoral researcher position offers competitive compensation under the German public sector salary framework.
Salary Information
- Salary Scale: EG 13 TVoeD Bund
- Gross Salary Range: €40,000 – €58,000 annually (65% employment basis)
Working Hours
- Part-time position
- 65% employment
- 25.4 working hours per week
Additional Employee Benefits
IDOS provides numerous professional and social benefits, including:
Work Flexibility
- Flexible working hours
- Hybrid work options
- Home office possibilities within Germany (up to 60%)
Financial Benefits
- Annual special payment
- Employer pension contribution
- Subsidized Deutschland Job Ticket
Leave and Vacation
- Up to 30 vacation days annually
- Additional company vacation days
Professional Development
- Training opportunities
- Career development support
- International academic exposure
Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
IDOS actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion in its recruitment process.
Applications are strongly encouraged from:
- Women
- People of colour
- Persons with disabilities
- Individuals from all nationalities
- Applicants with migration backgrounds
- Diverse gender identities and sexual orientations
The institute is certified under the “workandfamily” audit program, demonstrating its commitment to work-life balance and inclusive employment practices.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic Certificates
- Supporting documentation
Candidates with foreign university degrees must additionally provide proof of degree recognition through the Anabin database excerpt recognized by the German Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted no later than:
14 June 2026 at 23:59 CET
Late applications may not be considered.
Interview Timeline
Shortlisted candidates are expected to participate in interviews scheduled for:
July 2026
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official IDOS application portal.
Applicants should reference:
Position Number: 2026-B-02
Click here for more and to apply
Why You Should Apply
This doctoral researcher opportunity at IDOS offers much more than a traditional PhD position. It is a chance to:
- Conduct internationally relevant sustainability research
- Work alongside globally respected researchers
- Gain interdisciplinary and international research experience
- Influence policy discussions on sustainable nutrition
- Develop advanced qualitative research expertise
- Build a strong international academic network
- Earn a competitive salary while pursuing a PhD
For aspiring researchers passionate about food systems, sustainability, behavioral transformation, and global development, this opportunity represents a major step toward an impactful international academic career.
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