The University of Hohenheim, Germany, invites applications for a fully structured doctoral research position focusing on Mission-Oriented Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (MoAKIS) within the EU-funded AKIS4FNSSA project. This PhD opportunity explores how agricultural knowledge networks, innovation systems, and advisory services can support sustainable food system transformation, climate resilience, and agroecological transitions across Africa and Europe.

The successful candidate will join the Department of Communication and Advisory Services in Rural Areas (430a) and contribute to interdisciplinary research involving universities, development organizations, advisory institutions, and innovation partners across continents. The position is offered at 70% TV-L E13 employment level for up to three years (36 months).

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About the Research Department

The Department of Communication and Advisory Services in Rural Areas (430a) at the University of Hohenheim conducts research on social science approaches to agricultural and rural transformation. The department focuses on understanding and supporting voluntary processes of change in agriculture, rural communities, and innovation networks. Research activities include:

• Agricultural advisory and extension services
• Rural communication processes
• Knowledge and innovation systems
• Social learning and transformation pathways
• National and European research projects

The department contributes to Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes taught in both German and English and provides an international research environment for scholars interested in sustainable agriculture and rural development.

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Research Focus: Mission-Oriented Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (MoAKIS)

Agricultural systems worldwide face increasing challenges related to climate change, food security, biodiversity loss, and sustainable production. The AKIS4FNSSA project addresses these challenges by strengthening Mission-Oriented Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems that connect researchers, farmers, policymakers, advisory organizations, and innovation actors. The doctoral researcher will investigate how these systems can be designed, evaluated, and improved to support:

• Agroecological transitions
• Climate-resilient agriculture
• Sustainable food and nutrition security
• Collaborative innovation processes
• Evidence-based agricultural development

The research combines theoretical development, empirical investigation, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary methods.

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PhD Research Responsibilities

The doctoral researcher will contribute to project activities including:

Literature Review and Conceptual Development

• Reviewing academic research on mission-oriented AKIS, agricultural advisory services, innovation systems, and knowledge networks
• Synthesizing evidence related to food and nutrition security in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Developing conceptual frameworks for analysing agricultural innovation systems

Methodological Research and Tool Development

• Co-developing analytical approaches with academic and non-academic partners
• Creating tools for mapping and characterizing Mission-Oriented AKIS cases
• Supporting evaluation approaches for innovation systems across different contexts and scales

Empirical Field Research

• Conducting qualitative and/or quantitative social science research
• Collaborating with project partners in African countries
• Collecting and analysing data related to agricultural knowledge and innovation processes

Scientific Communication

• Preparing academic publications
• Contributing to project reports
• Presenting research findings within international scientific networks

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should have:

Academic Background

A completed Master’s degree in a relevant social science discipline, such as:

• Sociology
• Agricultural Economics
• Development Studies
• Innovation Studies
• Agricultural Extension
• Related fields in rural development or sustainability research

Research Skills

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Experience with empirical social science research
• Knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
• Strong analytical abilities
• Excellent academic writing skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in English

Additional Qualities

The ideal candidate will have:

• Interest in systems thinking and transdisciplinary research
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Interest in international agricultural development
• Willingness to travel internationally for field research, including African partner countries

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Salary and Benefits

The University of Hohenheim offers:

• A doctoral research position classified as TV-L E13 (70%)
• Employment duration of up to three years (36 months)
• Participation in a leading AU–EU research consortium
• Access to an internationally recognized research environment
• Opportunities for international collaboration
• Networking with researchers, development organizations, and innovation partners
• Experience conducting international field research

This position provides an excellent foundation for researchers pursuing careers in academia, agricultural policy, sustainable development, and international research organizations. This doctoral position offers researchers the chance to work at the intersection of agriculture, innovation studies, sustainability science, and international development. The project provides valuable experience in:

• Agricultural transformation research
• Sustainable food systems
• Global innovation networks
• Transdisciplinary research methods
• International scientific collaboration

For graduates interested in solving complex agricultural challenges through social science research, this PhD represents a strong pathway toward an international academic and professional career.

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Application & Required Documents:

Candidates must submit a single PDF file containing:

• Motivation letter
• Complete curriculum vitae (CV)
• Copies of university certificates and academic records
• Relevant publications, if available
• Examples of written work (published or unpublished)
• Names and contact details of two academic referees
• The University of Hohenheim accepts applications via a secure internet site. To the application
• Deadline: July 15, 2026

For questions before applying, candidates may contact: Dr. Hycenth Tim Ndah Email: h.ndah@uni-hohenheim.de & Dr. Beatriz Soledad Herrera Email: bherrera@uni-hohenheim.de

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The University of Hohenheim is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities or equivalent status will receive preference when qualifications are comparable.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the focus of this PhD position at the University of Hohenheim?

The PhD focuses on analysing Mission-Oriented Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (MoAKIS) and their role in supporting sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food system transformation in Africa and Europe.

2. Is this a funded doctoral position?

Yes. The position is funded as a doctoral research position under the TV-L E13 salary system at 70% employment level for up to three years.

3. What does AKIS mean in agriculture?

AKIS stands for Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems. It refers to networks connecting farmers, researchers, advisors, policymakers, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and support agricultural innovation.

4. Who is eligible to apply for this PhD?

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in a relevant social science discipline, such as agricultural economics, sociology, development studies, innovation studies, or agricultural extension.

5. Is international fieldwork required?

Yes. The position includes empirical research activities and may involve international travel, including fieldwork in African partner countries.

6. What research methods will the PhD researcher use?

The project may involve qualitative and quantitative social science methods, stakeholder engagement, system mapping, case analysis, and interdisciplinary research approaches.

7. Can international applicants apply?

Yes. The University of Hohenheim encourages applications from qualified candidates worldwide, especially those interested in international agricultural development research.

8. When is the application deadline?

The application deadline is July 15, 2026.

9. How should applicants submit their documents?

Applicants should submit all documents as one PDF file through the University of Hohenheim’s secure online application system.