Doctoral Fellowship at the Dresden Leibniz Graduate School

Deadline: 15 September 2015
Open to: German and international doctoral candidates who study in the area of sustainable urban and regional development
Fellowship: provides a fixed monthly stipend for the living expenses; funds to attend the DLGS academic programme; limited funds for project-related travel and other research expenses; the round-trip airfare to Germany

Description

The DLGS – Dresden Leibniz Graduate School is a joint activity of the Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, Dresden (IÖR), and the Academy for Spatial Research and Planning, Hannover (ARL). The DLGS offers Doctoral Fellowships at TU Dresden for up to three years starting in March 2016. The sixth DLGS cohort is oriented towards making cities and regions more sustainable, resilient and inclusive.

The research topic is “Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Cities and Regions”. Doctoral Candidates will investigate new concepts, instruments and policies for promoting social development, economic growth, and environmentally sustainable urban and regional development. In general, the first year of the structured programme is devoted to intensive work in courses and on the development of the doctoral thesis project. The second year is given over to empirical work, including field work. In the third year the primary aim is successful completion of the doctoral thesis. In individual cases, this general schedule may vary according to the specific needs of the candidate. Workshops (for example on quantitative and qualitative methods) as well as summer schools and international events offer opportunities to acquire special skills and general competencies. The interdisciplinary composition of the group, the support provided by DLGS partners as well as possible research visits abroad enable graduates to rapidly complete innovative doctorates.

Eligibility

German and International fellows can apply for these doctoral fellowships. Admission to DLGS is without regard to age, race, gender, handicap, religion or nationality. Selection is based on academic qualifications and on applicant’s potential to succeed. This announcement addresses excellent graduates who are holding an M.A., M.Sc., or equivalent, and a Master thesis grade good or equivalent, corresponding to 2 or better under Germany’s grading system in Spatial Planning and Development (including City and Regional Planning and Landscape Planning), Economics, Sociology, Geography, or Environmental Sciences (no more than four years should have passed since the applicant gained his/her master level degree).

Applications from outside of Germany are particularly welcome. All applicants must be capable of fluently speaking and writing English, and be comfortable with working in teams. Successful applicants must take up residence in Dresden, and be regularly / daily present at DLGS premises during working hours. Fellowship holders must comply with the regulations for a doctoral degree issued by the relevant faculties of the Technische Universität Dresden from which they are to get their doctoral degree.

Fellowship

In general, the fellowship provides the following: a fixed monthly stipend for the fellows’ living expenses in Dresden (determined by the DFG – German Research Foundation), funds to attend the DLGS academic programme (including German lessons for non-native speakers of German language), limited funds for project-related travel and other research expenses, and the round-trip airfare to Germany (both subject to approval by the DLGS management board). There is no additional family supplement provided to fellows accompanied by a partner and/or children.

How to apply?

The deadline for applications is 15 September 2015. To begin the application process is necessary to register online HERE. After the registration please log-in at the application page HERE. All documents listed below must be submitted to complete your application, including:

  • The filled-out Application Form, including an outline of your doctoral proposal (please check Description of major DLGS Research Topics and Requirements for the submission of a dissertation proposal). Official transcripts of master’s certificates and other supporting documents must be uploaded to the online application system. If master’s certificates are not available before application deadline, you are requested to upload transcripts of records or mark sheets. Applicants from non-English speaking countries should supply evidence of their proficiency in written and oral communication in the English language;
  • Personal statement, describing your academic background, research experience and career goals. This is a very important part of your application. Please take the time to communicate to the DLGS Selection Committee what your interests are and how they correspond to the DLGS research profile;
  • References: List the names of two (2) recommenders. At least one of the recommenders must be a university professor. Recommenders should know you well, be familiar with the field of study you are pursuing and be able to evaluate the quality of your work. List only those individuals who have already agreed to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Please note that we will contact the recommender you list for additional information as soon as you have been pre-selected for the programme;

Confirm the truth of your statements and that you will conform to all DLGS regulations. Then complete the application process by pressing the ‘Submit’ button. You will receive an automated email response informing you that your application has been received. Incomplete applications will be discarded, so please ensure that your application is complete and correct, with all relevant details and appendices. Applications submitted by fax, email or mail cannot be considered.

For more information please check the official website and FAQ section.

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