Robert Lensink

The University of Groningen is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on climate resilience in Maasai communities in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. The project, "Climate resilience in Africa: the role of ownership rights," investigates how gender-inclusive land ownership structures affect climate resilience, and explores the impacts of shifting from communal to private land management. The research is embedded in the Faculty of Economics and Business and supervised by Prof. Robert Lensink, Prof. Han Olff, and Dr Jedidah Simantoi Nankaya. The successful candidate will conduct fieldwork in Narok and Kajiado counties, with support from Maasai Mara University. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Economics, Development Studies, or a related field, possess strong research skills, and be fluent in English and Swahili (Maasai language is a plus). Experience in economic, gender, and inequality studies in Africa is preferred. The position offers a competitive salary (starting at €2,901/month, rising to €3,707/month), holiday and end-of-year bonuses, and covers research costs. The appointment is for four years, with 20% teaching duties in years 2-4. Applications close on 28 August 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the provided link or contact the supervisors.