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PhD candidates (three) for the Department of Southeast Asian Studies
Published on: 03.02.2025
The University of Bonn is an international research university with a wide education and research profile. With a 200-year history, approximately 31,500 students, more than 6,000 staff, and an excellent reputation at home and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the most important universities in Germany and is recognized as a university of excellence.
The DFG Emmy Noether Junior Research Group “Local labor struggles in global value chains”, led by Dr. Hambloch (Department of Southeast Asian Studies), is inviting applications for
Three doctoral students, 65% working time
for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028.
DFG Emmy Noether Junior Research Group
The project aims to examine the relationship between value creation and value capture processes in specific agricultural global value chains (GVCs) in select countries of the Global South. It will investigate the multi-scalar dynamics between labor/smallholder control and agency. It will analyze how different mechanisms of smallholder and labor control by firms lead to struggles over livelihoods and labor in different GVCs. The project employs an emancipatory approach to analyze patterns and mechanisms of smallholder and labor agency that challenge the subordinate inclusion in different GVCs. It also examines land control and access, modes of coordination (e.g. contract farming), and standards and certification. The project seeks to develop an integrative framework combining the labor-focused GVC approach, multi-scalar labor regime analysis, and agrarian political economy. The project uses a mixed-methods research design. It focuses on three case countries and two agricultural GVCs in each. In each country, one GVC is central to the national political economy, while the other is peripheral. The selected cases are: Philippines (banana, palm oil); Colombia (coffee, palm oil); Malawi (tobacco, tea). An abstract of the project can be found here.
Deadline:
02.03.2025
Reference number:
3.2/2025/03
Working time model:
part time (65%)
Starting date:
July 2025
Duration:
fixed-term June, 30 2028
Pay grade:
TV-L EG 13
Your tasks
- Writing an article-based PhD thesis within four years.
- Conducting theoretically-grounded research, engaging with critical perspectives in the field of GVCs, labor regimes, and agrarian political economy.
- Conducting mixed-methods research on the topic of labor control and agency in agricultural GVCs. This includes fieldwork in the case country for approx. 7 months.
- Collaborating on developing a shared research framework for the research group, although personal interests can also be pursued by each PhD candidate.
- Presenting at academic conferences and other relevant fora.
- Following trainings/workshops on relevant research methodologies.
We offer
- Opportunity to collaborate with international partners with diverse expertise.
- Funding for fieldwork and travel to conferences and workshops.
- Flexible working hours and possibility to work from home.
- Additional support for applicants with childcare or eldercare responsibilities.
- Company pension scheme (VBL).
- Remuneration according to pay group 13 TV-L for four years.
Your profile
- Very good MSc/MA in development studies, (development) economics, (economic) geography, anthropology, area studies, sociology or political science or related subject.
- Experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and software, and have strong research skills in at least one of them.
- Grasp of relevant literatures (e.g. GVCs, labor regimes, agrarian political economy)
- Passion for theoretically-grounded and empirical research in sensitive contexts.
- Excellent command of oral and written English skills.
- Resilient mindset in dealing with imminent fieldwork challenges.
- Reliable, structured, organized and a team player.
- Prior relevant research and work experience will be a plus.
- Applications from women and Global South candidates are especially encouraged.
Diversity and equal opportunity
The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a family-friendly university. It aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are under-represented and to promote their careers in particular. It therefore strongly encourages women with relevant qualifications to apply. Applications will be handled in accordance with the Landesgleichstellungsgesetz (State Equality Act). Applications from suitable individuals with a certified serious disability and those of equal status are particularly welcome.
