Research Associate (PSA 3) Position at the United Nations University

Applications are now open for the Research Associate (PSA 3) position at the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU EHS) in Bonn, Germany. The role is based in the Wellbeing and Equity (WE) Division and combines research work with the chance to enroll in a doctoral program run by the University of Bonn and UNU EHS.

It suits master’s degree holders in fields linked to wellbeing, equity, sustainability and transformation research. The application deadline is 09 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. This is a research position with PhD study rather than a classic scholarship, and the posting does not mention a salary, funding amount, nationality restriction or application fee. Check the official page for these details before applying. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Organization: United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU EHS)
• Position: Research Associate (PSA 3)
• Degree level: Master’s degree required; PhD enrollment included
• Host country: Germany
• Open to all nationalities: Yes
• Application deadline: 09 November 2026, 23:59 CET

Eligibility Criteria:

Education

• A master’s degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline relevant to the thematic areas of WE that qualifies you for doctoral admission

Experience and Skills

• Familiarity with concepts and frameworks in transformation, wellbeing and equity research
• Familiarity with multi method research approaches, with deeper knowledge in either qualitative or quantitative methods
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
• Strong communication skills, including academic writing and presenting research to diverse audiences

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Key Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will work under the authority of the Director of UNU EHS and the direct supervision of the Academic Officer (Head of FAST).

1. Transformation Research and Theory Building on Wellbeing and Equity

• Help develop research frameworks that support the strategy of WE and the UNU EHS Transformation Department
• Contribute to innovative research topics, including the GDP discourse, alternative socio ecological models and approaches for assessing wellbeing and equity
• Contribute to theory and policy development, and identify links to risk, adaptation and transformation research to connect with other divisions within UNU EHS
• Support the design, review and use of qualitative, quantitative and creative research methods for transformative research

2. Strategic Engagement and Proposal Writing

• Support the Wellbeing Alliance for Research, Policy and Practice by coordinating assigned activities, meetings and events, and by engaging stakeholders and partners to strengthen the division’s global network
• Assist senior staff in finding and evaluating funding opportunities, and keep track of funding trends, donor priorities and emerging opportunities
• Help the Head of Division and/or Principal Investigator prepare and draft project proposals for donors and partners, and liaise with partners on consortium set up
• Support the implementation of new projects through assigned research and reporting

3. Advancing Your Academic Profile

• Identify and develop a PhD topic in the field of wellbeing and equity, in consultation with your supervisor
• Develop the related methodology with your supervisor
• Enroll in the doctoral program currently being established by the University of Bonn and UNU EHS
• Carry out your PhD research activities in agreement with your supervisors
• Take part in doctoral training, coursework, seminars and capacity building activities required by the division

4. Project Acquisition and Proposal Development

• Identify and screen funding opportunities and calls for proposals that match the division’s areas of work
• Help prepare and draft selected sections of project proposals and other funding materials
• Support communication and follow up with donors and counterparts about requirements, processes and application procedures

5. Scholarly and Policy Outputs and Scientific Communication

• Lead the preparation of the scientific publications required to complete your PhD, and draft or contribute to peer reviewed journal articles, scientific reports and other research outputs
• Support the presentation of project results at scientific and policy conferences, and present your own findings at events for young scientists
• Contribute to knowledge products such as policy briefs, outreach materials and digital resources

6. Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisors

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How You Will Be Evaluated (Key Performance Indicators):

• Timely and high quality delivery of assigned research activities and publications
• Timely and high quality achievement of PhD milestones
• Contribution to the project, institute and UNU mission
• UNU and the WE division being seen as reliable and trustworthy partners by donors and partners

Final Tips for Applicants:

• Use only the UNU P11 form
• Tailor your cover letter to the WE Division’s research themes
• Propose a clear PhD topic idea in your motivation statement
• Submit before the deadline, as late entries are not accepted

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How to Apply:

1. Fill out the UNU P11 Form and avoid similar forms from other UN organizations
2. Write your motivation statement inside the P11 form
3. Prepare a cover letter explaining how your qualifications and experience match the requirements
4. Answer the position specific questions
5. Submit everything through the official apply link

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