Doctoral Researcher – Convivial Waterfronts Project

About the role

The "Convivial Waterfronts" project at the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology seeks two doctoral researchers to join a transdisciplinary team. Based in Munich, the researchers will develop independent studies within the frameworks of urban political ecology, convivial conservation, and marine social science, while conducting fieldwork in the coastal regions of Cádiz, Spain, and Vlora, Albania.

Key responsibilities

• Design and execute field research in the designated coastal living laboratories.
• Collaborate closely with environmental NGOs and local communities to co‑create conservation practices.
• Conduct literature reviews and develop theoretical contributions to convivial conservation.
• Produce academic publications, conference presentations, and project deliverables.
• Participate in interdisciplinary workshops and contribute to the project’s iterative experimentation.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in social sciences, environmental studies, geography, anthropology or a related field.
• Strong interest in urban coastal sustainability and just transformation.
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork abroad in Spain and Albania.
• Excellent written and spoken English; German proficiency is a plus.
• Motivation for both academic excellence and real‑world impact.

Required skills

What we offer

• Fully funded PhD position within a leading research institute.
• Supervision by Prof. Dr. Anna Antonova and integration into a vibrant research community.
• Opportunities for international fieldwork and collaboration with NGOs.
• Support for publishing research findings and presenting at international conferences.