PhD student position (65%) (f/m/d) professorship Land Economics

The University of Bonn is an international research university offering a broad range of subjects. With a 200-year history, some 31,500 students, more than 6,000 employees and an outstanding reputation in Germany and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the leading universities in Germany and has been awarded the status of a University of Excellence.

The professorship Land Economics chaired by Prof. Dr. David Wuepper is inviting applications for a

PhD student position (65%) (f/m/d)

to start from March 2026 initially limited to 3 years according to gem. § 2 (1) WissZeitVG with the possibility of extension.

We are looking for candidates with expertise in working with geospatial data, e.g., in Google Earth Engine, and econometric analysis, using empirical research designs such as difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity designs, or instrumental variables, for example. The research focus is on contributing to making agriculture globally more sustainable, with a focus on policy.

About us:

The Land Economics group of the University of Bonn conducts research clustered around conserving and improving land conditions, which include carbon, biodiversity, and agricultural production. We conduct empirical impact assessments of various policy types, including regulations, payments, and restoration projects; evaluations of the diffusion and impact of smart farming innovations; the various impacts of land degradation, and analyses of the trade-offs and synergies between agricultural production and environmental conservation.

Your profile:

We are looking for excellent candidates (master's degree or equivalent) with a good understanding of sustainable agriculture and economics, a solid background in working with geospatial data and the identification of causal effects with observational data, as well as good writing and presentation skills.

We offer:

• ambitious and novel research in a motivated and team-oriented research group,
• competitive salary and possibility for contract extension,
• all required computational resources and software available,
• the opportunity to complete a doctorate,
• extensive training, supervision, and support available,
• personal development budget and international network,
• many options available for university sports,
• excellent access by public transport thanks to Bonn’s central location as well as the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost parking,
• Remuneration in accordance with TV-L pay grade 13.

The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a family-friendly university. The University of Bonn seeks to increase female representation in staffing areas where women are underrepresented and provide special career support. It thus expressly encourages qualified women to apply. Applications will be handled in accordance with the NRW State Gender Equality Act (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz, LGG NRW). Applications from qualified candidates with a certified severe disability or from those of equal status are especially welcome.

We look forward to receiving your complete application quoting reference 2025/139:
a 1-page cover letter, your CV, Master’s diploma (or if not yet available: latest transcript of your grades), and an example of your writing (a paper, a thesis, work-in-progress) via email to applications.land.economics@uni-bonn.de. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2025.