Two Doctoral Researchers (m/f/d) for the “Convivial Waterfronts” Research Project at the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology

(From October 2026 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 two doctoral researchers 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 positions are based in Munich, with commitment to fieldwork within the coastal regions of Cádiz, Spain (1 position) and Vlora, Albania (1 position). Both doctoral researchers will work under the supervision of the project’s Principal Investigator, Dr. Anna Antonova, at the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology.

“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 theoretical insights of convivial conservation as a just transformational paradigm and the urban living laboratory approach of developing societal solutions through iterative co-creative processes. In close collaboration with environmental NGO partners in three living laboratories, the project will advance and iteratively experiment with innovative conservation practices (ecological, cultural, artistic, and culinary) 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)). Both doctoral researchers joining the project will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with these NGO partners and with local communities as part of their research and fieldwork. 

The “Convivial Waterfronts” team is based at the Chair of Sustainable Urban Environments and the Department of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) 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 researchers motivated equally by academic excellence and real-world impact, who have:

• 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.
• Proficiency in Spanish (for fieldwork in Cádiz) or in Albanian (for fieldwork in Vlora) will be a strong advantage. Experience working with environmental NGOs or the wider public sector is a plus.

Your Tasks and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and conduct your own doctoral project aligned with the broad interests of “Convivial Waterfronts” in the context of either Cádiz, Spain or Vlora, Albania.
• Work directly with the project’s environmental NGO partners to advance each urban living laboratory’s goals.
• 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). The positions are for 3 years but extensions may be possible in the future.
• 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 as part of the exciting research community of the Department of Science, Technology and Society, which offers regular public lectures and symposia, weekly discussion groups, and a vibrant and supportive doctoral program at its Graduate Center.

Application

To apply, please upload the following documents, compiled in a single PDF file listing your first and last name, to the LRZ Sync & Share upload form by 10 June 2026 at 23:59 (Central European Summer Time, GMT+2):

• Cover letter / letter of motivation including a preliminary research proposal (max. 3 pages).
• 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 shortlisted candidates are expected to take place online in late June. 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.

Technichal University of Munich

School of Social Sciences and Technology

Augustenstr. 40, 80333 München