PhD Fellowship Program in Demography and Public Policy at Humboldt University, Berlin for the 2025/26

The Humboldt University PhD Program is now accepting applications for 10 Doctoral Researcher Positions in the Research Training Group 2458, “The Dynamics of Demography, Democratic Processes, and Public Policy” (DYNAMICS). This unique three-year program offers an in-depth exploration of advanced theories and quantitative methods in demography, democracy, and public policy. Join us to engage in critical research and contribute to these important fields!

Overview of the Program

DYNAMICS is a collaborative initiative created by the Department of Social 🔍 Sciences at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the Hertie School, supported by the German Research Foundation. The program investigates how demographic shifts affect democratic processes and influence policy decisions. It also examines how public policies shape demographic trends. Furthermore, participants analyze the impacts of transboundary crises, such as the global financial crisis and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This approach fosters a comprehensive understanding of these critical issues.

Research Pillars of the Humboldt University PhD Programs Offered

Dissertation projects must actively engage with one or more of the following research foundations:

1. Investigate the intricate relationship between demography and democratic processes, focusing on how population dynamics influence governance.
2. Examine the interplay between demography and public policy, exploring how demographic trends shape policy decisions and vice versa.
3. Analyze the significant impact of public policy on demographic behaviors, assessing how various policies affect population movements and demographic patterns.

Information Session for Interested Applicants on the Humboldt University PhD Programs Offered

Participate in our online information session to discover more about the DYNAMICS program and get answers to your questions!

Date: November 12, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM (CET)
Format: Online (via Zoom)
Registration: To register, email dynamics.admissions@hu-berlin.de.

Qualifications and Requirements Humboldt University PhD Programs

• Demography, Public Policy, International Relations, or related areas.
• Applicants must exhibit robust quantitative skills.
• Candidates should possess a Master’s degree (or its equivalent) or be in the final stages of completion.

What the Fellowship Program Offers Humboldt University PhD Programs

• The Humboldt University PhD fellowship Program offers a three-year employment contract with a competitive salary based on Grade E13 TVL. This amounts to approximately €3,000 per month gross, along with comprehensive social security and health insurance benefits.
• Participants engage in a robust course program. It includes advanced theoretical courses, hands-on training in quantitative methods, interdisciplinary seminars, and a dynamic international lecture series.
• The program provides dedicated office space in Berlin. This vibrant city is renowned for its thriving research environment.
• Fellows receive generous financial support for attending conferences and participating in summer schools. They also have opportunities for research stays abroad.
• Additionally, they benefit from extensive training in professional development to enhance their skills and career prospects.
• The DYNAMICS office actively assists with relocation and onboarding, ensuring a smooth transition for new fellows.

Steps to Apply for the Humboldt University PhD Program

To apply, submit your application materials as a single PDF file by January 7, 2025, todynamics.admissions@hu-berlin.de. Ensure that you include the following documents in this order:

1. Letter of Motivation (maximum 1 page)
2. Dissertation Proposal (10 pages)
3. Certificates and Transcripts from all academic programs you attended (your Master’s degree must be completed by August 31)
4. Statement of Methods Skills (maximum 1 page)
5. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
6. TOEFL Score (minimum 250 for computer-based, 600 for paper-based, or 100 for internet-based)
7. Two Letters of Recommendation (these should be sent separately by your referees)
8. Two Writing Samples
9. Names of Two Potential Advisors from the DYNAMICS Principal Investigators

NB*Please note that all files must be combined into one PDF with a maximum size of 6 MB.

You can download the Call for Applications [HERE].

Frequently Asked Questions

For further details, please visit our Questions and Answers section.

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