Doctoral Program at the Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies (BCDSS)
There are currently no open calls for applications.
Please check for the next application period starting in early 2026.
The BCDSS is a Cluster of Excellence funded by the German Excellence Strategy.
Our aim is to provide PhD researchers with thorough preparation and support during their doctoral dissertation work, as well as helping them prepare for participation in the international research community.
As full members of the BCDSS research community, our PhD researchers are invited to participate in all research activities and benefit from our funding opportunities. They participate in all forums for exchanging research, such as Research Areas, Working Groups and conferences. Furthermore, they are encouraged to initiate and organize new forums for exchange.
PhD researchers at the BCDSS benefit from our international network, which helps them to advance their careers. Furthermore, we will be launching additional joint activities with partner institutions that are specifically designed for doctoral researchers.
We ensure that these aims are met through our structured Doctoral Program and monitoring system.
The BCDSS offers a four-year Doctoral Program.
PhD positions at the BCDSS are funded for four years on a salary of approximately €40,000 per annum before tax, including social security benefits.
In addition, PhD researchers can apply for extra funding for archive or field trips and conferences.
It is an essential prerequisite that the first supervisors of our PhD researchers are members of the Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies.
Regular meetings with the supervisor(s) are part of the DoctoralProgram.
Our monitoring system ensures that progress is made during these years, and that support is available wherever and whenever it is needed. The monitoring system comprises:
- Submission of Final Project Description Report and Presentation at the end of year 1
- A Written Proof of Progress and a statement by the supervisor at the end of year 2
- Individual meetings with the Doctoral Program Management twice a year
- Presentations in the Research Colloquia during years 2 and 3
- Mock Oral Examination (optional) towards the end of year 4
The category of knowledge transfer and teaching comprises presentations of PhD-related papers at international conferences, authoring a paper for a journal or an edited volume, teaching and/or organizing a workshop or a graduate conference, and/or editing an edited volume.
- Acquiring additional skills through training provided by the BCDSS and the University of Bonn
- Participation in mentoring programs
- Individual career councelling
- Coaching opportunities
- Networking opportunities within and outside academia
- Opportunities for committee work
Contact
Laura Hartmann