As the largest educational institution, historically and regionally anchored in the Oldenburg Münsterland region, the University of Vechta is internationally and future-oriented: Around 4,000 students and more than 500 employees research, teach, work and study at the modern campus university in the heart of Lower Saxony.
We invite applications for the following part-time position to be filled at the University of Vechta, Working Group Economic Geography by 01 October 2025:
Doctoral Researcher
(salary according to 13 TV-L, part time 75 %)
This is a fixed term-position for four years, corresponding to § 2 Abs. 2 WissZeitVG.
The collaborative DFG-funded Research Unit FOR5903 “Sustainable Rurbanity – Resources, Society, and Regulatory Systems” has a wide interdisciplinary and international scope, covering diverse dimensions of global urbanisation processes. In the context of this project, a doctoral position is available addressing the research area “RurbanFoodWaste – Sustainability potential of food waste as livestock feed in Indian rurban contexts” which integrates Human Geography with Animal Sciences perspectives. The position cannot be shared. Primary place of employment is Vechta, but extended field work in India for several months per year will be required. Fitness for service in the tropics is therefore mandatory.
Your tasks
- Reviewing and analyzing relevant literature,
- Preparing, conducting and coordinating social science field work on food waste flows and revalorisation in Bengaluru, India, using a wide methodological portfolio,
- Correspondence and close cooperation with academic partners in India and Germany,
- Participation in project-related seminars and workshops, and in international conferences by presenting own results,
- Analysis of collected data and preparation of scientific articles,
- General project management tasks incl. some administration.
We offer you
- A challenging, diverse and interesting job in an interdisciplinary research environment,
- The possibility of pursuing a PhD with close supervision and integration into scientific networks,
- Attractive, flexible working conditions that allow you to reconcile family responsibilities and professional obligations,
- An interdisciplinary and committed team to which you can contribute your ideas,
- A dynamic working environment with room for personal initiative,
- A diverse and needs-oriented range of training opportunities at the Graduate Centre.
Requirements
- Completed university degree (MSc or diploma equivalent to 180 ECTS) in geography, development studies, agricultural sciences or related fields,
- Fluency in English language,
- Excellent communication skills,
- Ability and willingness to work in a dedicated interdisciplinary team with an international and intercultural background,
- Willingness to travel / conduct field work in India for several months per year,
- Experience in qualitative and/or quantitative social science research (incl. data collection and evaluation),
- Desirable: Previous experience with field work in the Global South,
- Desirable: Knowledge of theoretical approaches to food systems, value chains, circular economy and/or livelihoods.
For further information please refer to the project website www.uni-kassel.de/go/for-5903 or contact Prof. Dr. Amelie Bernzen (she/her) (E-Mail: amelie.bernzen@uni-vechta.de).
We look forward to your application!
Please send your application (cover letter, CV, certificates, references incl. Contact details) by e-mail (in a single PDF file) quoting reference number 25/34/Geo to
Präsidium der Universität Vechta
The closing date for applications is 31 July 2025
The University of Vechta values and promotes the diversity of people at the university and is actively committed to equal opportunities. This self-image is decisive for all selection procedures. Severely disabled applicants will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified.