Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) on Coastal and Urban Transformations in Vlora, Albania with the “Convivial Waterfronts” Research Group

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) on Coastal and Urban Transformations in Vlora, 
Albania with the “Convivial Waterfronts” Research Group 
(TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, Department of STS)

(From January 2027 or as soon as possible, 3 years, 75% TVL-13)

About This Opportunity

The project “Convivial Waterfronts: Reimagining urban coastal conservation for just sustainability transformations” is looking for a doctoral researcher to join the project’s transdisciplinary team and develop their own individual research in the broad frameworks of (urban) political ecology, convivial conservation, and marine social science. The position is based in Munich, with commitment to fieldwork in the coastal region of Vlora, Albania. The doctoral researcher will work under the supervision of the project’s Principal Investigator, Dr. Anna Antonova, at the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS).

“Convivial Waterfronts“ is a trans- and interdisciplinary project working to reimagine urban coastlines as laboratories for coexistence between humans and nonhuman others. The research connects convivial conservation as a just transformational paradigm and the urban living laboratory approach of developing societal solutions through iterative co-creative processes. Together with environmental NGO partners in three living laboratories, the project experiments with innovative conservation practices on the coastlines of Burgas, Bulgaria (Partner: Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation (BBF)); Cádiz, Spain (Partner: Fondo para la Custodia y Recuperacíon de la Marisma Salinera (Salarte)), and Vlora, Albania (Partner: Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA)). 

The doctoral researcher who joins the project will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with these NGO partners and with local communities as part of their research and fieldwork. PPNEA, the partner NGO in Vlora with whom the doctoral researcher will collaborate most closely, has been a leading voice in the ongoing Albanian Flamingo Revolution and its resistance to contested development in the Vjosa-Narta protected area.

The “Convivial Waterfronts” team is based at the Chair of Sustainable Urban Environments and the STS Department at the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology. Thereby, the doctoral researchers will be embedded within an exciting and dynamic research community that works to advance understanding of urban environments as vital landscapes of relations and is dedicated to training future leaders able to probe the larger ethical, social, political, and legal dimensions of societal (infra)structures through social science research and public dialogue.

Your Profile

We are looking for a researcher motivated equally by academic excellence and real-world impact, who has:

• Master’s degree in a relevant social science, humanities, or conservation science field.
• Experience with relevant qualitative methodologies (e.g., in-depth interviews, participant observation, participatory approaches, document analysis, etc.) and/or the motivation to learn new ones.
• Passion for research and the tenacity to work independently, delve into new topics, and carry out projects.
• Empathy and curiosity to learn from others and contribute to a transdisciplinary, international team.
• Fluency in English with strong English writing skills and fluency in Albanian to enable fieldwork in Vlora.

1. Experience working with environmental NGOs or the wider public sector will be an advantage.

Your Tasks and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and conduct your own doctoral project aligned with the broad interests of “Convivial Waterfronts” in the context of Vlora, Albania.
• Work directly with PPNEA to advance the goals of the urban living laboratory in Vlora.
• Take part in yearly project meetings and contribute to project-related outcomes and publications.
• Support project-related organizational work such as event planning or digital administration.

What We Offer

• An attractive compensation package based on the tariff contracts for public service (75% of level E13, commensurate with experience).
• Funding support for fieldwork, conference visits, and publications as part of the “Convivial Waterfronts” project.
• Work in a cutting-edge international transdisciplinary project alongside experienced partners from the environmental NGO sector across Europe (BBF, PPNEA, and Salarte).
• The opportunity to pursue a PhD at one of Europe’s leading universities, within the exciting research community of the STS Department. 

Application

We accept applications on a rolling basis until 15 September 2026 at 23:59 (CEST, GMT+2). To apply, please upload to LRZ Sync & Sharethe following documents, compiled in a single PDF file with your first and last name:

• Cover letter / letter of motivation including a preliminary research proposal (max. 3 pages excl. references).
• A short CV or resume (max. 2 pages) with contact information for two references.
• Copies of your bachelor’s and master’s certificates and transcripts of records (in original language).
• A writing sample, e.g. article, excerpt from master’s thesis, or another single-authored text (max. 15 pages).

Interviews with suitable candidates will take place on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Antonova: anna.antonova@tum.de. 

Diversity and Data Protection

The Technical University of Munich is committed to increasing the diversity of its staff. Women, first-generation academics, and candidates from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

The position is suitable for people with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in cases where they have essentially the same qualifications, abilities, and professional performance.

When applying for a position at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you submit personal data. Please note our data protection information according to Art. 13 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for the collection and processing of personal data as part of your application. By submitting your application, you confirm that you have taken note of TUM's data protection information.

Technical University of Munich

School of Social Sciences and Technology

Augustenstr. 40, 80333 München