PhD Position in Education for Sustainable Development at University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
About the Program
The Faculty of Humanities at the University of Duisburg-Essen is offering a fully-funded PhD position within the Research Training Group for Cross-Sectional Tasks in Teacher Education and School and Teaching Development (GKQL). The focus of the new cohort (starting October 2025) is Education for Sustainable Development in the Context of Human-Environment Issues.
This is an excellent opportunity for early-stage researchers aiming to engage in interdisciplinary, empirical educational research that impacts teacher training from primary to tertiary levels. The PhD project—Sub-Project F—will explore and optimise teaching-learning laboratory environments to support student teachers in planning multi-perspective science lessons, particularly around biodiversity and sustainability.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Duisburg-Essen
- Department/Faculty: Faculty of Humanities, Institute of Social Studies
- Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Inga Gryl
- Location: Essen, Germany
- Start Date (Anticipated): October 2025
- Duration: 36 months
- Funding: Full, based on German public sector pay scale (TV-L E13)
- Working Hours: 29 hrs 52 min/week (75% full-time equivalent)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Above-average university degree in Social Studies or a closely related field
Research Focus/Area
- Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
- Science lesson planning
- Professionalisation of student teachers
- Biodiversity in education
- Teaching-learning laboratories
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in Social Studies
- Proficiency in German and English (spoken and written)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated interest in lesson planning, ESD, and teacher education
- Willingness to pursue further methodological training
- Independent work ethic, excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to develop and teach university-level courses in social studies
- Commitment to publishing and presenting research
Key Features of the Program
- Opportunity to pursue a doctorate in a structured research environment
- Teaching experience in BA/MA teacher education programmes (3 SWS)
- Supportive research infrastructure and interdisciplinary academic community
- Organisational involvement in the eLSa Teaching and Learning Laboratory
- Work-from-home options, childcare support, and family-friendly policies
- Access to university sports, public transport, and parking facilities
Application Process
How to Apply:
Send your application, including all standard documents, to: email 📧 inga.gryl@uni-due.de
Prof. Dr. Inga Gryl
University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Humanities
📍 45117 Essen, Germany
📞 +49 201 183 6926
Required Documents:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Brief research interest statement
- References (if available)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Ongoing
- Deadline: 20 June 2025
- Interviews (if applicable): Not specified
Where to Apply
- University Website: https://www.uni-due.de/isu/
- Official Notification: Job advertisement
- Apply here: email 📧 inga.gryl@uni-due.de
