The University of Marburg PhD positions invite applications for 10 paid doctoral researcher roles within DFG Research Training Group 3159 on Gender and Gendering in Contexts of International Criminal Law. Selected candidates will develop independent PhD projects in an interdisciplinary environment, employed at 75% TV-H E13, starting 1 February 2027.
Hosted by the International Centre for War Crimes Trials at Philipps-Universität Marburg, founded in 1527 with about 22,000 students, the Research Training Group brings together scholars from law, social sciences, humanities, and related fields. The programme focuses on how gender shapes international criminal justice, institutions, and societies.
University of Marburg PhD Benefits
- 10 paid Doctoral Researcher/PhD positions within DFG Research Training Group 3159
- Employment by the University of Marburg at TV-H pay grade E13, 75% of regular working hours
- Contract duration up to four years, from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2031
- Structured doctoral supervision through an individually composed Thesis Advisory Committee
- Individual qualification and supervision programme tailored to each doctoral project
- Interdisciplinary research environment with international academic engagement and professional development
- Opportunity to complete an independent PhD project on gender and international criminal law
University of Marburg PhD Eligibility Criteria
- Above-average completed university degree equivalent to a Master’s, state examination, or comparable qualification
- Degree in a relevant discipline such as peace and conflict studies, gender studies, history, modern German literature, political science, law, sociology, theology, economics, or related fields
- English proficiency at C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- Willingness to learn German is an advantage, not an absolute prerequisite
- Prior knowledge in international law, international criminal law, transitional justice, or gender studies is advantageous
- Team spirit, commitment to academic excellence, interest in interdisciplinary research, willingness to collaborate, capacity for independent scientific research, commitment to completing a doctoral qualification
- On-site participation in the RTG core programme is mandatory
How to Apply for University of Marburg PhD
- Submit your application by 4 October 2026
- Include proof of English proficiency at C1 level in your application
- Develop a dissertation proposal that connects to the research themes of RTG 3159
- Ensure availability to commence the position on 1 February 2027
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the University of Marburg PhD positions in Germany for 2027. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and application details.
How many PhD positions are available?
A total of 10 doctoral researcher/PhD positions are available within the Research Training Group. These are cohort-based positions, allowing selected candidates to develop their dissertations alongside other researchers working on connected questions. The programme combines independent doctoral research, structured supervision, interdisciplinary exchange, collaborative research, international academic engagement, and professional development.
What is the starting date for the PhD positions?
The positions are scheduled to begin on 1 February 2027. Applicants should be available to commence their doctoral employment and research programme around this date. The contracts are offered until 31 January 2031, providing up to four years for candidates to complete their doctoral qualifications, subject to German academic fixed-term contract regulations.
What salary and employment conditions are offered?
Successful candidates will be employed by the University of Marburg at TV-H pay grade E13 at 75% of regular working hours. This is a salaried doctoral researcher position under the public-sector salary framework of the German state of Hesse, not a conventional stipend-based scholarship. The employment includes research assistance and active participation in RTG activities.
What academic background is required for eligibility?
Applicants must hold an above-average completed university degree equivalent to a Master’s, state examination, or comparable qualification. The degree should be in a relevant discipline such as peace and conflict studies, gender studies, history, modern German literature, political science, law, sociology, theology, economics, or a related field. Applicants from adjacent disciplines may also be considered.
Is German language proficiency required?
German language proficiency is not presented as an absolute prerequisite. However, German skills are considered an advantage. Candidates who do not currently speak German should demonstrate a willingness to learn German. This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to international applicants who already possess strong English-language skills but may not yet have advanced German proficiency.
What is the English language requirement?
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency of at least C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Proof of English-language proficiency must be included in the application. The programme requires advanced English for academic reading, writing, research presentations, seminar participation, interdisciplinary discussion, and professional communication.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 4 October 2026. This is the final deadline for the positions starting on 1 February 2027. Applicants should ensure that all required documents, including proof of English proficiency at C1 level, are included in their application by this date. The announcement does not indicate an extension, so submitting early is advisable.
Which disciplines are considered relevant for the PhD positions?
The programme is explicitly interdisciplinary and encourages applicants from peace and conflict studies, gender studies, history, modern German literature, political science, law, sociology, theology, economics, and related fields. Applicants should develop projects that contribute to the Research Training Group’s overarching questions about gender and international criminal law.
Where will the doctoral researchers be based?
The doctoral researchers will be based at the International Centre for War Crimes Trials (ICWC) at the University of Marburg in Germany. On-site participation in the RTG’s core programme is mandatory, so the positions are not remote PhDs. While individual research may involve travel, fieldwork, or archives, physical presence for central academic activities in Marburg is required.
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