Are you an aspiring researcher looking for a PhD opportunity in Germany that combines academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, and structured doctoral training? The Philipps University PhD Scholarship 2027 in Germany offers an exciting opportunity for qualified graduates to join an international research community focused on gender and international criminal law.
The program offers ten doctoral researcher positions at the International Centre for War Crimes Trials (ICWC), within the DFG Research Training Group 3159, titled “Gender and Gendering in Contexts of International Criminal Law.” Successful candidates will have the opportunity to develop their own doctoral research while contributing to a broader interdisciplinary research program.
The positions are scheduled to begin on 1 February 2027 and run for four years until 31 January 2031. The doctoral researcher positions are offered at 75% employment under the TV-H E 13 pay scale in the German state of Hesse.
Importantly, this opportunity is a paid doctoral researcher position rather than a traditional fully funded scholarship. Candidates should therefore understand the employment and salary structure before applying.
Philipps University of Marburg is one of Germany’s historic public research universities. Founded in 1527, the university has a long tradition of teaching and research.
Located in Hesse, Marburg is home to approximately 22,000 students. The university offers programs across a wide range of academic disciplines and combines established academic traditions with modern research.
The research environment surrounding the PhD positions is particularly attractive to candidates interested in international criminal law, gender studies, transitional justice, peace and conflict studies, political science, history, sociology, theology, economics, and related fields.
The ICWC and Research Training Group 3159 also promote an international, inclusive, and family-friendly academic environment.
The Philipps University PhD Scholarship is associated with the DFG Research Training Group 3159 “Gender and Gendering in Contexts of International Criminal Law.”
The research group is based at the International Centre for War Crimes Trials and examines how gender and gendering influence international criminal law.
The program takes an interdisciplinary approach. Researchers can investigate how gender affects the development, interpretation, implementation, institutions, and social impact of international criminal law.
Ten doctoral researcher positions are available. The positions are scheduled to start on 1 February 2027 and continue for four years.
Researchers will be encouraged to establish their own academic identity while participating in the wider research program.
This combination makes the opportunity suitable for candidates who want both independence and structured doctoral support.
The program provides more than a doctoral position. It offers an academic environment designed to help early-career researchers develop professionally and scientifically.
Successful candidates will work in an international research community where different academic disciplines come together.
This environment can be particularly valuable for researchers whose doctoral projects cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Each doctoral researcher receives structured supervision through an individually composed Thesis Advisory Committee.
This approach provides candidates with academic guidance throughout their doctoral studies while allowing their research project to develop according to their individual goals.
The program includes an individual qualification and supervision structure tailored to the researcher and their doctoral project.
This can help candidates strengthen research methods, academic writing, presentation skills, and other competencies required for a successful academic career.
The RTG 3159 promotes a collegial, inclusive, and family-friendly research environment.
The program specifically emphasizes an LGBTIQ+-inclusive academic community and seeks to create conditions that support researchers from different backgrounds.
Doctoral researchers can benefit from support provided by several university services.
These include the Marburg University Research Academy, International Office, Family Service, and offices responsible for higher education didactics.
Such services can help researchers with professional development, international integration, family-related matters, and broader academic skills.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements before preparing their applications.
Candidates must hold an above-average university degree, such as a Master’s degree, state examination, or equivalent qualification.
The degree should be in a discipline relevant to the research training group.
Relevant fields include:
Candidates from related academic disciplines may also be considered where their research fits the RTG’s research program.
Previous knowledge of the RTG’s central research areas is an advantage.
Relevant experience may include international criminal law, transitional justice, gender studies, or related fields.
Applicants should demonstrate how their academic background has prepared them to investigate questions connected to gender and international criminal law.
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at least at C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.Because the research environment is international, strong English skills are important for academic communication, research, presentations, and publications.
German language proficiency is not mandatory. However, German skills or a willingness to learn German are considered an asset.Candidates who are not currently fluent in German should not necessarily view this as a barrier to applying.
Applicants should demonstrate team spirit and a strong commitment to academic excellence.
The program places significant importance on interdisciplinary cooperation. Candidates should therefore be comfortable exchanging ideas with researchers from different academic backgrounds.
A strong motivation to develop an independent scientific profile is also expected.
A successful application requires careful preparation. Applicants should begin working on their research proposal and supporting documents well before the deadline.
Applicants must prepare an outline of their proposed doctoral project.
The outline should be no more than 10 pages, including the work and time schedule and bibliography.
The project should be based on an innovative research question that fits the RTG’s topic and research program.
A strong proposal should clearly explain the research problem, objectives, methodology, expected contribution, and relationship to existing academic literature.
Applicants must submit a writing sample of no more than 25 pages.
Possible examples include sections or chapters from a Master’s thesis, seminar paper, academic article, or another suitable scholarly work.
Choose a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to conduct independent research, construct an argument, engage with academic literature, and communicate ideas clearly.
The motivation letter should explain why you want to join the research training group and how your academic background connects with its research focus.Applicants should demonstrate genuine interest in gender and international criminal law and explain how the program fits their long-term academic goals.
The application should include the required academic and personal documents.These include:
Applications must be submitted by 4 October 2026 through the official application button on the RTG 3159 website.
Digital selection interviews are expected to take place from late October to early November 2026.
Applicants should submit their materials early enough to resolve any technical or documentation issues before the deadline.
The central research theme is the relationship between gender and international criminal law.
The research training group examines how gender and gendering influence international criminal law, including its application, institutional structures, social conditions, functions, and impact.
Because the program is interdisciplinary, doctoral projects can approach these questions from different perspectives.
Law researchers might investigate legal doctrines or international criminal proceedings. Political scientists could examine institutions or political processes. Historians and sociologists may explore the development and social consequences of international criminal justice.
This flexibility allows candidates to develop original research questions while contributing to a shared intellectual agenda.
Applicants should keep the following dates in mind:
Planning ahead is particularly important because preparing a high-quality 10-page research outline and 25-page writing sample can take considerable time.
It is a paid, 75% doctoral researcher position within DFG Research Training Group 3159 at the International Centre for War Crimes Trials. The program focuses on gender and gendering in international criminal law.
There are ten doctoral researcher positions available for the 2027 intake.
The opportunity is not described as a traditional fully funded scholarship. It is a 75% doctoral researcher position paid according to TV-H E 13 in Hesse, Germany. Applicants should consider the salary and employment conditions when evaluating the opportunity.
The positions run for four years, from 1 February 2027 until 31 January 2031.
Applicants need an above-average Master’s degree, state examination, or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at C1 level or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
No. German is not mandatory, although existing German skills or willingness to learn German is considered an advantage.
Applicants need a research project outline of up to 10 pages, a writing sample of up to 25 pages, motivation letter, academic certificates, CV, transcript, English C1 proof, and an academic recommendation letter or first examiner’s report.
The application deadline is 4 October 2026.