About the Program
University of Tübingen invites applications for a fully-funded PhD in Human Origins and Paleoecology, focusing on Human–Environment Interactions. The project, titled “Human prey adaptation to climatic changes during the MSA and LSA in eastern Africa: isotopic insights from the site of Mumba”, is offered at the Faculty of Science, Department of Geosciences. This doctoral research aims to investigate how climatic and environmental shifts during the Middle to Late Stone Age transition influenced herbivore ecology and shaped human subsistence strategies in eastern Africa.
The PhD will be supervised by Dr. habil Dorothée Drucker and is part of the HUMAN ORIGINS Cluster of Excellence research theme. The research duration is 3.5 years, based in Tübingen, Germany, with an anticipated start date of April 2026. Candidates will gain hands-on experience in stable isotope analyses, faunal studies, and paleoecological reconstructions, working within an international, interdisciplinary team and receiving advanced professional training and collaborative research opportunities.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Candidate (E13 TV-L, 65%)
- Institution: University of Tübingen
- Department/Faculty: Faculty of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Supervisor: Dr. habil Dorothée Drucker
- Location: Tübingen, Germany
- Start Date (Anticipated): 1 April 2026
- Duration: 3.5 years
- Funding: Full stipend under E13 TV-L, 65%
- Working Hours: Part-time (65%)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in archaeology, paleoanthropology, geosciences, or a related field
Research Focus/Area
- Human–environment interactions during the Middle to Late Stone Age (MIS 5–MIS 3)
- Paleoecology of large herbivores
- Stable isotope geochemistry of tooth enamel
- Archaeological science and faunal analysis
- Quantitative ecological modelling
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
- Strong interest in Late Pleistocene human ecology in eastern Africa
- Excellent knowledge of English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with zooarchaeology, paleoecology, or geochemical laboratory techniques
- Analytical skills and quantitative data analysis
- Willingness to learn stable isotope and chronological methods
Key Features of the Program
- Training in stable isotope analysis, paleoecological reconstruction, and chronological methods
- Access to an interdisciplinary research environment at the University of Tübingen and the Senckenberg Research Society
- Opportunities for international collaboration and professional development
- Active promotion of equity, diversity, and gender equality in research
Application Process
How to Apply: Submit application documents via email to Dr. habil Dorothée Drucker (dorothee.drucker@ifu.uni-tuebingen.de) as a single PDF.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum vitae
- Short motivation letter
- One-page abstract of completed Master’s thesis
- Contact details of two referees
Important Dates
- Application Open: Open now
- Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
- Start Date: 1 April 2026
Where to Apply
- University Website: University of Tübingen
- Official Notification: click here
- Application Contact: dorothee.drucker@ifu.uni-tuebingen.de
More PhD opportunities: click here
