UNU Research Associate Job 2026 in Germany: Research Opportunity
Overview
The United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security offers a Research Associate position located in Bonn, Germany. The role sits within the Well-being and Equity Division and involves conducting research on societal transformation, well-being, and equity, supporting project development, and producing academic and policy publications. A key element of the role is the opportunity to develop a PhD topic alongside a supervisor and enrol in the joint doctoral programme established by the University of Bonn and UNU-EHS. The initial appointment is for one year, with possibilities for renewal up to a maximum combined duration of six years under a Personnel Service Agreement.
Who can apply
This position is open to applicants from all nationalities. Candidates are required to hold a master's degree or an equivalent qualification in a scientific field relevant to well-being and equity that meets admission standards for a doctoral programme. Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, while proficiency in German or another relevant language is considered an asset. Desirable backgrounds include approximately one year of professional or research experience, familiarity with transdisciplinary or international projects, and experience with qualitative or quantitative research methodologies.
What you get
Selected candidates receive an annual net salary determined by their individual qualifications and professional experience. Additional provisions include thirty days of annual leave, access to a health insurance scheme, and visa acquisition support when required. Relocation allowances are not provided, and contract holders are personally responsible for applicable income taxes on their earnings.
Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate a strong foundation in transformation research, well-being, equity, and multidisciplinary concepts, alongside documented competence in either qualitative or quantitative research methods. Essential traits include the capacity for independent and collaborative work, strong conceptual thinking, and excellent academic writing, communication, and presentation skills. Additional advantageous qualities comprise experience with Futures Literacy, creative research techniques, Indigenous or alternative knowledge systems, multi-stakeholder networks, and project proposal drafting.
How to apply
Candidates must submit their applications through the official recruitment portal. The application package requires completing the specific UNU P11 form, including a motivation statement within that form, providing a separate cover letter detailing alignment with the role, answering additional questions, and uploading academic degrees, transcripts, and a passport copy. The evaluation process may incorporate written exercises, competency-based interviews, and background or reference checks.
Key dates
The application deadline is 9 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. The intended start date is as soon as possible, dependent on recruitment administrative processes.