Doctoral Research Position (TV-L E13, 70%, up to 3 years): Analysing Mission-Oriented Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) in Africa (Department, 430a)

Academic position

Doctoral Research Position (TV-L E13, 70%, up to 3 years): Analysing Mission-Oriented Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) in Africa (Department, 430a)

The Department of Communication and Advisory Services in Rural Areas (430a) at the University of Hohenheim invites applications for a doctoral research position within the EU funded AKIS4FNSSA project. The project aims to strengthen Mission-Oriented Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (MoAKIS) to support agroecological transitions, climate resilience, and sustainable food systems transformation in Africa and Europe.

Key Responsibilities

Review and synthesize academic literature on mission-oriented AKIS, agricultural advisory services, innovation support systems, and knowledge systems for food and nutrition security in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Co-develop conceptual and analytical frameworks and methodological approaches with academic and non-academic partners.

Develop tools for mapping, and characterizing MoAKIS cases across different levels and contexts

Conduct empirical field research in collaboration with project partners.

Contribute to scientific publications and project reporting.

Required Qualifications

Master's degree in a relevant social science discipline (e.g., Sociology, Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Innovation Studies, Agricultural Extension).

Experience in empirical social science research and qualitative and/or quantitative methods.

Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills in English; ability to work independently and in international, interdisciplinary teams.

Willingness to travel internationally, including fieldwork in African partner countries

Strong interest in systems thinking and transdisciplinary research

We Offer

A 70% doctoral research position (TV-L E13) for up to three years (36months)

Participation in a leading AU–EU research consortium and an internationally recognized research environment.

Excellent opportunities for international collaboration, networking, and field research.

Application deadline :15.07.2026

Please attach the following documents to your application:

A motivation letter, a complete CV, copies of university certificates, and any other documentation that may be of interest (e.g. relevant publications or examples of written documents (not published)). Please also include names and contact information of two academic referees.

Please submit your application in a single pdf-file (Website: https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/en/job-openings?tx_unijobs_joboffers). For any enquiries, feel free to contact Dr. Hycenth Tim Ndah ([email protected]) or Dr. Beatriz Soledad Herrera ([email protected]) before submitting your application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Employment conditions The University of Hohenheim is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. With equal qualifications, preference will be given to candidates with disabilities

The University of Hohenheim accepts applications via a secure internet site. To the application