If your research interest sits anywhere around agriculture, nutrition, public health, sustainability, food systems, climate, biodiversity, data science, or development research, this is one opportunity you should not ignore.
The University of Bonn is recruiting 24 doctoral researchers and 8 postdoctoral researchers for its new CRC 1780: Food System Diversification for Sustainable Nutrition, also called FoodDiverse. The programme is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and focuses on how food system diversification can support sustainable nutrition, human health, and environmental wellbeing.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Bonn |
| Country | Germany |
| Programme | CRC 1780 FoodDiverse |
| Full Title | Food System Diversification for Sustainable Nutrition |
| Funding Body | German Research Foundation, DFG |
| Available Positions | 24 doctoral researchers and 8 postdoctoral researchers |
| Field | Sustainable food systems |
| Contract Type | Fixed-term research contract |
| Salary Grade | TV-L 13 |
| Doctoral Researcher Pay | 65% TV-L 13 |
| Postdoctoral Researcher Pay | 100% TV-L 13 |
| Duration | 3 years, with possible extension |
| Start Date | 1 October 2026, or possibly earlier |
| Application Deadline | 14 June 2026 |
About the University of Bonn FoodDiverse Research Positions
The FoodDiverse programme is built around one major problem: current food systems are not sustainable.
Many people around the world still suffer from unhealthy diets and nutrition-related diseases. At the same time, agricultural production continues to create serious environmental pressure. The University of Bonn’s FoodDiverse CRC wants to study how diversification across farms, landscapes, markets, trade, diets, and food sources can help create better food systems.
This is not a regular scholarship with a simple monthly stipend. These are paid doctoral and postdoctoral researcher positions under a structured research centre. That makes the opportunity especially strong for applicants who want proper research experience, salary-based funding, and international collaboration.
What the Research Will Focus On
The FoodDiverse programme will study how different forms of food system diversification affect planetary health. This includes human health, nutrition, agricultural productivity, biodiversity, environmental sustainability, resilience, and food security.
The research will be carried out in Germany and Ghana, in close partnership with the University of Ghana. The projects will use different types of data, including farm data, household data, individual-level data, remote sensing data, and regional and global modelling.
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Available Research Areas
The 32 positions are spread across several projects within the FoodDiverse CRC. The research areas include soil health, biodiversity, agroforestry, agricultural economics, environmental economics, dietary diversity, nutrition, public health, biostatistics, sociology, consumer behaviour, systems modelling, computer science, geoinformatics, remote sensing, and data infrastructure.
This means applicants from different academic backgrounds may find a suitable project. The programme is not only for agriculture students. It is also relevant to students and researchers in nutrition, economics, public health, environmental science, computer science, sociology, data science, and related fields.
Number of Positions Available
The University of Bonn FoodDiverse programme is recruiting:
24 doctoral researchers
8 postdoctoral researchers
These positions are in the broader field of sustainable food systems.
For students comparing PhD openings across countries, this opportunity is different from a typical assistantship model. However, you can also compare it with this fully funded PhD assistantship in the USA if you want to understand how research funding works in the United States.
Funding and Salary Details
All positions are offered as fixed-term contracts for three years. The positions are expected to start on 1 October 2026, or possibly earlier. An extension for a fourth year is possible. Postdoctoral positions may also be extended beyond four years depending on funding for a second phase by DFG.
The salary grade is TV-L 13.
Doctoral researchers will receive 65% TV-L 13, while postdoctoral researchers will receive 100% TV-L 13.
The programme also offers full funding for field work, travel, and related research costs, as stated in the position announcement.
Who Can Apply?
For doctoral researcher positions, applicants are expected to have a Master’s degree in a subject relevant to the specific CRC project they are applying for.
For postdoctoral researcher positions, applicants are expected to have a doctoral degree in a relevant field. Postdoctoral applicants should also have experience in food system-related topics, supported by publications.
Applicants should also have excellent oral and written English skills, interest in interdisciplinary cooperation, and willingness to travel internationally.
This opportunity is especially suitable for applicants who are comfortable working across disciplines. Food system research often requires people who can connect agriculture, environment, economics, health, nutrition, data, and policy.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare their documents in PDF format before starting the application. The official FoodDiverse page lists the following required documents:
Motivation letter explaining your interest in the CRC and the specific project or projects you are applying for
CV, including a publication list, especially for postdoctoral applicants
Academic certificates and transcripts
Writing sample, such as a master’s thesis for doctoral applicants or a recent research article for postdoctoral applicants
Names and contact details of two academic referees
Applicants will also be asked to select up to three preferred CRC projects in order of preference in the online application form.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the University of Bonn FoodDiverse PhD and Postdoctoral Research Positions is:
14 June 2026
Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal before the deadline.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the official application portal and complete the online application form. Before applying, read the different CRC project descriptions carefully and choose the project or projects that best match your background.
Final Advice for Applicants
This is a big research opportunity, but it is also competitive. Do not submit a general application. Read the project descriptions and choose the ones that fit your academic background, research experience, and future goals.
Your motivation letter should clearly explain why you are interested in FoodDiverse, why your selected project fits you, and what skills you can bring to the research team.
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For applicants in agriculture, food systems, nutrition, sustainability, economics, public health, biodiversity, and data-driven development research, the University of Bonn FoodDiverse positions are a serious chance to join a major international research programme in Germany.
