Prospective Doctoral Students

The German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) / Leibniz-Institut für Globale und  
Regionale Studien is an independent social-science research institute based in Hamburg. It analyses political, social and economic developments in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, and links this knowledge to questions of global significance. It combines region-specific analysis with innovative comparative research on accountability and participation, globalisation and development, peace and security, and global order and foreign policies. The GIGA Doctoral Programme (DP) invites applications from 

Prospective Doctoral Students (m/f/d) 

to join the programme starting 1 October 2021. The DP offers an institutional setting that allows doctoral students to conduct independent research on topics of real-world relevance, engage in academic debates, and acquire key skills for a successful academic career. GIGA doctoral students are fully integrated into the institute’s research structure and benefit from close supervision and tailored training within an international research environment. Through academic exchanges and fieldwork, they engage with the “GIGA regions” and build their own networks. Doctoral degrees will be awarded by one of our partner universities, dependent upon the affiliation of the student’s first supervisor. 

Applicants are expected to fulfil the following criteria: 

• A university degree (Master or equivalent) with a very strong grade point average in Political Science/International Relations, Economics, History, or a related discipline. Normally we expect candidates to have a GPA of 1.5 or better (German system or equivalent);
• A high-quality project proposal that shows a clear fit with the GIGA’s research agenda, i.e. region-specific analysis relating to Africa, Asia, Latin America or the Middle East as well as questions of global significance on a topic that integrates well into one of the four research programmes of the GIGA. Projects with a cross-regional or a comparative area studies focus are particularly welcome; 
• Strong command of the English language (German is not a prerequisite). 

What the DP offers:  

• An academic environment that facilitates innovative research and provides excellent possibilities for individual development, 
• Full integration into the research structure of the GIGA, 
• An office space in an open-plan office in Hamburg’s city centre and options for mobile work, 
• A comprehensive training programme consisting of core social science modules and soft skills, 
• The possibility to apply for additional mobility grants for field work and conference attendance. 

We strongly welcome international applications. Diversity and the reconciliation of work and family life are of great importance to the institute. The GIGA promotes the equality of all genders. 

Please fill out the GIGA DP application form (available online at: https://assets.ctfassets.net/jlhgjubhhjuo/JVJt9ekOGPDek3DRLMXPw/1945e70548f5cb303b6bf05e6a316f3d/AppForm_GIGA-DP-Fellows_102020.pdf  and send it together with your full application (Ref.-No. GIGA-21-01) including: 

• A letter of motivation, CV, and a research proposal of maximum 2,000 words,  
• Simple copies of degrees and academic transcripts (BA, Diploma, MA), proof of English-language skills, and a statement about funding plans for the duration of three years (final admission is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to provide an outline of funding plans by the DP’s start date), 
• and an additional academic writing sample 

to Gabriele Tetzlaff, German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), Neuer Jungfernstieg 21, 20354 Hamburg, Germany. Email: jobs-dp@giga-hamburg.de (email applications are particularly welcome; please send all required documents as one pdf, except for the academic writing sample that should be attached as a second pdf). 

Screening of applications will begin from 1 February 2021. 

For further information, including a list of FAQs, please visit the GIGA DP website at: www.giga-hamburg.de/en/dp. You can also contact us via email at: dpgiga@giga-hamburg.de. 

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