Leibniz University Hannover Soil Science PhD Scholarship

The Leibniz University Hannover Soil Science PhD Scholarship is a fully funded doctoral position at Leibniz University Hannover, a public research university founded in 1831 and home to around 30,000 students and more than 5,000 staff members. The position sits within the DFG-funded Research Unit FOR5903 “Sustainable Rurbanity” at the Institute of Earth System Sciences and studies how the blending of rural and urban spaces affects soil quality and microplastic contamination in Ghana and India. The award covers tuition and living costs through a standard German research contract, typically worth about €2,100 (est.) net per month, and additionally funds research-related travel and fieldwork in Accra and Bengaluru. The selected candidate will collect soil samples during fieldwork, run soil-physical and chemical analyses with a focus on microplastics, apply spectral and drone-based mapping methods, collaborate with partners at the University of Kassel, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. The scholarship is open to candidates from all countries who hold a relevant Master's degree, with applications for the 2026/2027 cycle due by 15 August 2026. Because the exact stipend rate, contract length and closing date are set each cycle, confirm the current figures on the official Leibniz University Hannover jobs page before you apply.

What's covered

• Monthly salary — A standard German research contract pays an estimated ~€2,100 (est.) net per month to cover living costs in Hannover.
• Tuition — There are no tuition fees for the doctoral position; only a small semester contribution of about ~€150 (est.) applies.
• Fieldwork and travel — Research-related travel and fieldwork costs for sampling campaigns in Accra (Ghana) and Bengaluru (India) are covered by the project.
• Research infrastructure — Access to advanced laboratory, spectral-analysis and drone-mapping facilities at the Institute of Earth System Sciences.
• Career development — Workshops, language training, health and wellness programmes, on-campus gym access and family support services are provided to staff.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to the supervising institute by email or post; there is no application fee.

1. Prepare your documents — Assemble a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts and degree certificates, and the names and contact details of academic references.
2. Check eligibility — Confirm you hold a qualifying Master's degree and meet the English and fieldwork-fitness requirements before applying.
3. Submit your application — Send the complete application by email to the supervising professor at the Institute of Earth System Sciences, or by postal mail to the Soil Science department in Hannover.
4. Meet the deadline — Ensure the full application arrives by the closing date of ~15 August 2026 (est.) for the 2026/2027 cycle.
5. Await selection — Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interview; selected applicants receive a formal offer and contract.