11 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Agricultural Economics at the University of Göttingen, Germany
Are you interested in international relations, economics, political science, or China studies? The University of Göttingen is offering an exciting opportunity for aspiring researchers to join one of Germany’s most innovative doctoral programs. Applications are now open for 11 fully funded PhD researcher positions in the Research Training Group (RTG) 3209 – China-GRASP: China’s Geoeconomic Rise and the Accumulation of Structural Power.
Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and jointly hosted by the University of Göttingen and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), this interdisciplinary program provides doctoral researchers with the opportunity to investigate China’s growing influence on global politics, economics, finance, and international governance.
The University of Göttingen’s China-GRASP Research Training Group offers an exceptional opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD at the intersection of international political economy, China studies, and global governance. With generous funding, world-class supervision, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international research opportunities, this program provides an ideal environment for developing innovative research and building a successful academic or policy-oriented career. The positions begin on 1 October 2026, and successful applicants will receive funding for three years under Germany’s public-sector salary system.
Position Overview
| Position | PhD Researcher |
|---|---|
| Number of Positions | 11 |
| Program | RTG 3209 China-GRASP |
| Host University | University of Göttingen |
| Research Partner | Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel) |
| Funding Organization | German Research Foundation (DFG) |
| Country | Germany |
| Salary | TV-L E13 (75%) |
| Employment Type | Fixed-Term |
| Contract Duration | 1 October 2026 – 30 September 2029 |
| Starting Date | 1 October 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 24 July 2026 |
| Job ID | 76523 |
About the China-GRASP Research Training Group
China’s economic transformation has reshaped global trade, finance, diplomacy, and international institutions. The China-GRASP Research Training Group examines these developments using the concept of structural power in international political economy.
The program explores how China accumulates and exercises influence across four major dimensions:
- Security
- Production of goods and services
- Finance and credit
- Knowledge and information
Researchers also investigate how governments, businesses, and societies respond to China’s expanding global influence.
By combining theoretical insights with original empirical research, the program seeks to generate new knowledge about one of the most significant geopolitical developments of the 21st century.
Research Themes
Each doctoral researcher will develop an independent PhD project within one of 15 Focus Areas, which are organized into five interconnected Research Clusters.
Possible research topics include:
- China’s geoeconomic rise
- International political economy
- Belt and Road Initiative
- China–Europe relations
- China–Africa cooperation
- Eurasian regional integration
- Global governance
- International security
- Finance and international credit
- Global production networks
- Trade and investment
- Digital governance
- Knowledge and information systems
- Structural power
- Regional and comparative political economy
Many research projects are expected to combine themes from multiple Research Clusters, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.
Why Join This PhD Program?
The China-GRASP Research Training Group offers much more than financial support.
As a doctoral researcher, you will benefit from:
- A fully supervised independent PhD project
- Personalized academic mentoring
- Interdisciplinary coursework
- Collaboration with internationally recognized researchers
- Access to one of Europe’s leading social science centers for Asia research
- International networking opportunities
- Research stays abroad through global partnerships
- Professional career development
- Advanced methodological training
- A diverse and inclusive research community
The RTG provides excellent preparation for careers in academia, international organizations, think tanks, public policy, and research institutions.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcome from highly motivated graduates with strong academic backgrounds.
Relevant disciplines include:
- Economics
- Political Science
- International Relations
- China Studies
- Asian Studies
- Development Studies
- Global Governance
- International Security
- Agricultural Studies
- Public Policy
- Other closely related social science fields
Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest in researching China’s international role through rigorous academic research. This doctoral program is one of Germany’s most competitive opportunities for students interested in China’s growing influence on global affairs. Key advantages include:
- 11 fully funded PhD positions
- DFG-funded research program
- Collaboration between the University of Göttingen and IfW Kiel
- Personalized doctoral supervision
- International research partnerships
- Advanced interdisciplinary training
- Opportunities for overseas research stays
- Strong career support
- Research on one of today’s most important geopolitical topics
- Excellent preparation for academic and policy careers
If you are passionate about international political economy, China studies, or global governance, this program offers an outstanding platform to develop your research career.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) with good or very good academic performance
- Eligibility for admission to a doctoral program at the University of Göttingen
- Strong quantitative and/or qualitative research skills
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Ability to design and complete an independent research project
- A well-developed research proposal aligned with one or more Research Clusters
Knowledge of the Chinese language is highly desirable and required for certain research projects involving Chinese-language sources.
Research Proposal Requirements
Applicants are expected to submit an original research proposal.
The proposal should:
- Be no longer than two pages
- Address one specific Focus Area
- Demonstrate originality and feasibility
- Clearly contribute to one or more Research Clusters
Applicants may submit up to two research proposals and indicate interest in a maximum of three Focus Areas.
Salary and Benefits
The successful applicants will receive funding under Germany’s public-sector employment system.
Benefits include:
- TV-L E13 salary at 75% employment
- Three-year funded doctoral contract
- Individual academic supervision
- Interdisciplinary research environment
- International collaborations
- Research mobility opportunities
- Career mentoring
- Access to leading scholars in China studies
- Professional development workshops
- Family-friendly working environment
- Equal opportunity employment policies
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Göttingen is committed to creating an inclusive academic environment where diversity is valued.
Applications are welcomed regardless of:
- Gender
- Nationality
- Religion
- Ethnic background
- Social status
- Migration background
Women are particularly encouraged to apply in disciplines where they remain underrepresented. Applicants with severe disabilities will receive preferential consideration when qualifications are equivalent, in accordance with German regulations. The university also supports work-life balance through its family-friendly employment policies.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 24 July 2026 |
| First Interview Round | 10–14 August 2026 |
| Second Interview Round | 18–20 August 2026 |
| Employment Begins | 1 October 2026 |
Contact Information
For questions about the application process:
Laura Fuhrmann
Research Training Group (RTG) 3209 – China-GRASP
Telephone: +49 551 3924140
Email: laura.fuhrmann@uni-goettingen.de
For research-specific questions, applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisors responsible for the relevant Research Clusters.
Application deadline and procedures:
All documents should be combined into one PDF file before submission.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter (maximum one page)
- Research proposal (maximum two pages)
- Writing sample (approximately ten pages)
- Publication list (if applicable)
- Language certificates
- Degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Contact details of two academic referees
- Please upload your application in one pdf file including the usual documents until 7/24/2026 on the application portal of the university using this link: http://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76523. For more information get in touch with Laura Fuhrmann directly via E-Mail: laura.fuhrmann@uni-goettingen.de, Tel. 05513924140 .
The CV, motivation letter, and research proposal must be written in English.
Interview Schedule
The selection process consists of two interview stages.
First Round (Online)
10–14 August 2026
Second Round
18–20 August 2026
Depending on geographical distance and logistical considerations, shortlisted candidates may be invited for in-person interviews.
Travel expenses of up to €300 may be reimbursed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many PhD positions are available?
The Research Training Group is recruiting 11 fully funded PhD researchers.
Is this a fully funded PhD program?
Yes. All positions are funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and include a TV-L E13 salary at 75% employment.
When does the PhD program start?
The positions begin on 1 October 2026.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted no later than 24 July 2026.
Which academic disciplines are eligible?
Applicants from Economics, Political Science, International Relations, China Studies, Asian Studies, Development Studies, Global Governance, Agricultural Studies, International Security, and related fields are encouraged to apply.
Do I need Chinese language skills?
Excellent English is mandatory. Chinese language proficiency is considered an advantage and is required for some research projects.
Can I submit more than one research proposal?
Yes. Applicants may submit up to two research proposals and indicate interest in up to three Focus Areas.
What documents are required?
You must submit a CV, motivation letter, research proposal, writing sample, degree certificates, academic transcripts, language certificates, referee details, and responses to the online application questions.
How are interviews conducted?
The first interview round will be held online. Depending on location and feasibility, shortlisted candidates may later be invited for in-person interviews, with travel reimbursement of up to €300.
What careers does this PhD prepare students for?
Graduates are well prepared for careers in universities, research institutes, think tanks, international organizations, government agencies, and policy analysis.
Discover more from Agristok
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.