Wolfram Barfuss

The University of Bonn is recruiting PhD researchers and postdoctoral researchers for the newly funded DFG Collaborative Research Center FoodDiverse (CRC 1780) , specifically Project B05 – Multi-Scale Cross-Level Effects of Food System Diversification . This project asks how diversification in the food system affects the relationship between resilience, efficiency, and sustainability across multiple levels and scales of decision-making. The research develops a mathematical modeling framework combining portfolio theory , distributional reinforcement learning , and social-ecological action situation frameworks to identify policy leverage points in food systems, from fields to markets to diets. The position is based at ZEF, University of Bonn , and is co-supervised by Prof. Kwabena Doku-Amponsah at the University of Ghana . The broader FoodDiverse CRC is recruiting 24 PhD and 8 postdoc researchers across 21 projects spanning agronomy, economics, sociology, nutrition, ecology, and related areas. Funding: 3-year position initially, with the option to extend. Doctoral researchers are funded at TV-L 13, 65% ; postdoctoral researchers are funded at TV-L 13, 100% . The announcement also states that field work, travel, and related research costs are fully covered, with support for personal career development. Eligibility: Applicants should have a Master’s degree for the PhD position or a doctorate for the postdoctoral position in a relevant subject. A strong quantitative background is preferred, especially in complex systems, applied mathematics, computational modeling, statistical physics, or related fields. For postdoctoral applicants, experience with food system-related topics documented through publications is expected. Excellent English skills and willingness to travel internationally are required, along with an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration. Deadline: 14 June 2026. How to apply: Submit a complete application through the online portal and indicate the CRC project(s) you are interested in. More information and the application portal are available on the FoodDiverse page.