Interested in how societies transform conflict into reconciliation — across history, religion, law, or literature? The University of Bonn just opened 12 fully funded doctoral positions to dig into exactly that.

The University of Bonn, a German University of Excellence with over 200 years of history, has opened 12 Research Associate positions within its DFG Research Training Group 3125: “Reconciliation and its Equivalents in a Transcultural Comparison.” If you’re considering a PhD in the humanities or social sciences with a genuinely interdisciplinary angle, this one deserves a close look.

Quick Overview

Institution: University of Bonn
Programme: DFG Research Training Group 3125 — Reconciliation and its Equivalents in a Transcultural Comparison
Positions Available: 12 Research Associates (65%)
Contract Start: February 1, 2027
Contract End: Fixed-term until January 31, 2031
Pay Grade: TV-L Entgeltgruppe 14
Application Deadline: September 17, 2026
Application Code: 2026/333

What Is This Research Training Group About?

The programme investigates concepts, strategies, and practices of conflict transformation from an interdisciplinary and transcultural perspective — using both synchronic and diachronic comparative analysis. In plain terms: researchers examine how different cultures and time periods have approached reconciliation, drawing connections across disciplines rather than staying siloed in one field.

What Will You Actually Be Doing?

As a Research Associate, your core responsibilities include:

Writing a doctoral thesis on a topic within the scope of the Research Training Group
Actively participating on-site in the group’s activities as part of its structured study and qualification programme

Who Should Apply?

This position is open to graduates from a wide range of humanities and social science disciplines. You should have:

A university degree (Master’s, State Examination, or equivalent) completed with above-average results
A background preferably in one of the following fields:
- Ancient History
- Art History
- Critical Museum and Heritage Studies
- Early Modern History
- English Literature and Cultural Studies
- (Historical) Peace and Conflict Studies
- History and Culture of the Islamicate World
- History Education
- Jewish Studies
- Law
- Modern and Contemporary History
- Philosophy of Religion
- Social and Cultural Anthropology
- Social Sciences
- Reconciliation Studies
A genuine interest in interdisciplinary work
English language skills at least at B2 level (C1 required if the dissertation will be written in English)
The ability to work effectively in a team

What Does the University of Bonn Offer?

Excellent opportunities to write a subject-specific doctoral thesis in an interdisciplinary, international environment
Intensive academic and interdisciplinary exchange with fellow researchers
Opportunities for international academic networking, including funding for a research stay abroad lasting several months
A structured supervision framework for doctoral studies
A comprehensive study and qualification programme that participants can help shape themselves
A collegial and family-friendly working environment
Remuneration in accordance with TV-L pay grade Entgeltgruppe 14

A Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity

The University of Bonn actively promotes an open, respectful, and non-discriminatory academic culture. It welcomes applications regardless of ethnic or social background, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability, or age. Applications from women and people with a documented severe disability (or equivalent status) will receive preferential consideration in accordance with NRW’s State Equality Act and Social Code (SGB) IX.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a complete application package to ckrueger@uni-bonn.de, including:

References
CV
A 2-page cover letter
A 5-page project outline
Proof of English language proficiency (may be submitted after employment begins, if necessary)
Letters of recommendation (may be submitted later, if invited to interview)

Important: For technical reasons, applications must be submitted by email only, as a single PDF file, with the application code 2026/333.

Application Deadline: September 17, 2026

Selection interviews will take place in the first half of October.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

12 funded positions in a single cohort is a notably large intake for a humanities-focused doctoral programme
The transcultural, interdisciplinary framing opens the door to a genuinely wide range of academic backgrounds
Built-in funding for an international research stay adds real global exposure to the doctoral experience

Call to Apply

For graduates in history, law, anthropology, religious studies, literature, or related fields who want to explore reconciliation and conflict transformation across cultures, this fully funded PhD programme at the University of Bonn offers structure, mentorship, and genuine international scope.