About Organisation
The University of Bonn, located in Germany, is one of Europe’s foremost research institutions and a designated University of Excellence. Established over 200 years ago, the university is renowned for its academic rigor, interdisciplinary research, and international collaborations. With more than 31,500 students and over 6,000 staff, it attracts scholars from all around the world. The university’s progressive outlook fosters innovation while addressing global challenges in fields like economics, climate change, and environmental sciences. It actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and is certified as a family-friendly institution. Bonn’s central location offers excellent transport links, access to academic networks, and opportunities for personal development. The Land Economics research group within the university’s agricultural and environmental sciences domain focuses on sustainable land management through empirical analysis and policy-oriented solutions. The university offers doctoral candidates advanced computational tools, structured supervision, and financial support while promoting research with real-world impact. With a commitment to excellence and fostering global partnerships, the University of Bonn is an ideal environment for scholars aiming to contribute to sustainable agriculture, conservation, and evidence-based policymaking.
About the Grant
The University of Bonn is offering a PhD position in Land Economics starting in March 2026. The position, hosted by Prof. Dr. David Wuepper’s group, focuses on empirical research addressing land degradation, carbon storage, and sustainable agriculture. Over an initial three-year period, the candidate will work on projects that evaluate the socio-economic effects of land use, adoption of farming innovations, and environmental trade-offs. The research combines geospatial data tools such as Google Earth Engine with advanced econometric methods to identify causal relationships and inform policy decisions. The successful applicant will be part of an internationally oriented research team, gaining access to state-of-the-art computational resources, extensive mentorship, and a supportive academic environment. The university emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, encouraging applications from women and candidates with disabilities. The position is funded according to the TV-L pay grade 13 scale and offers benefits such as a personal development budget, access to global academic networks, and university sports programs. Candidates should have strong expertise in geospatial analysis, sustainable agriculture, and econometrics and demonstrate motivation to tackle real-world challenges in land management and conservation.
Who can Apply?
The PhD position is open to candidates holding a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in economics, agricultural sciences, environmental studies, or related fields. Applicants should have expertise in geospatial data analysis using tools like Google Earth Engine and proficiency in econometric techniques such as difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, and instrumental variables. A strong understanding of sustainable agriculture, land economics, and causal inference is essential. Candidates must be capable of analyzing observational data and deriving actionable insights for land conservation and policy formulation. Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills are required, alongside a commitment to addressing global land-use challenges. The university especially welcomes applications from women, individuals with certified severe disabilities, and other underrepresented groups, as part of its diversity and equal opportunity framework. Applicants should demonstrate motivation to work on research projects that have practical implications for farmers, policymakers, and communities worldwide. Experience with handling data, conducting empirical research, and working collaboratively within research teams is highly valued. The candidate must be prepared to engage in structured supervision and contribute to projects combining data-driven insights with environmental sustainability goals.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted by 31 October 2025 via email @applications.land.econ@uni-bonn.de to . Applicants should include a 1-page cover letter, curriculum vitae, Master’s diploma or transcript, and an academic writing sample. The application should highlight research motivation, relevant expertise, and alignment with the university’s focus on land economics, sustainability, and policy-driven solutions.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 31 October 2025. All required documents must be sent via email by this date. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
