The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) GmbH (www.leibniz-zmt.de) is an independent research and teaching institute that provides scientific knowledge for the protection and sustainable use of tropical coastal ecosystems. To this end, we work in an inter- and transdisciplinary manner with our partners in the tropics. The ZMT is a member of the Leibniz Association.

The project STEPS aims to analyze opportunities for sustainable tourism in tropical island destinations. The underlying thesis is that the corona pandemic represents a turning point for the future of tourism. The project applies mixed methods including qualitative and quantitative approaches and artificial intelligence to identify new avenues for coastal nature-based tourism and to identify and question possible pathways for the necessary paradigm shift. This will be done in collaboration with local partners to anchor the results of the study in reality while providing an immediate means of transferring the study results.

The working group Deliberation, Valuation and Sustainability and the project STEPS (Sustainable Tourism: Evolving Paradigms) is (subject to release of funds) looking for a

Doctoral candidate (gn)

(Reference: 21-STEPS-PhD)

Your tasks:

• Development and implementation of an individual PhD research agenda
• Scientific literature review on sustainability transformations for tourism
• Review of publicly available documents for a global overview
• Designing and conducting field research for a case study on sustainable tourism
• Publication of research results in international peer-reviewed / scientific journals.
• Collaboration with project team, contribution to overall project success

Requirements:

• An excellent Master's degree in geography, social sciences or another relevant field (e.g. sustainability, anthropology, political science, economics)
• Background knowledge in quantitative or quantitative social science methods (focus can be in one or both areas)
• Experience with R or Python, natural language processing / textual data analysis or motivation to learn and apply these quantitative methods
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English, proven academic writing skills
• Desire for semi-independent field work in the tropics and flexibility to work abroad for longer periods
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team
• Ability to work independently and results-oriented; willingness to take on unexpected tasks
• Ability to deal respectfully with people from different backgrounds and to work effectively in an intercultural context

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience with tourism research
• Fluent in Spanish or Bahasa Indonesia
• Ability to work with texts in different languages
• Experience in conducting interviews, working with non-academic stakeholders, conducting workshops or focus groups

 Further information:

For questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Marie Fujitani, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details of position:

Salary will be paid according to the German TV-L (EG 13). The position is available for part-time (75 % of a full-time position) employment starting September 1^st, 2025 for 36 months. The fixed term is for academic qualification according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG (Wissen-schaftszeitvertragsgesetz). Accordingly, only applicants who still have the relevant qualification periods according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG can be considered. The position is intended to provide further academic qualification with the aim of obtaining a doctorate.

ZMT is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants with a migration background are welcome. Persons with severe disabilities are given special consideration if they have the same professional and personal qualifications. The ZMT values its diverse workforce and pursues the goal of providing equal opportunity, which incorporates gender neutrality (gn). We will be happy to accept your documents without a photo.

We offer:

• A challenging and varied job in an international, dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment
• A motivated and committed team from different countries and cultures
• An open and cooperative working atmosphere
• Opportunities for personal and professional development
• Interesting, varied and challenging tasks and family-friendly working conditions
• Company pension plan (VBL)
• Company health promotion and the opportunity to participate in company fitness with EGYM Wellpass

Submission of application:

Please submit your application (CV, letter of motivation, research plan, certificates, attestations and the names and contact information of three referees) by 15.08.2025 as a single pdf file with the reference number “21-STEPS-PhD” to Ms. Lena de Carné-Oehlmann, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Fahrenheitstraße 6, D-28359 Bremen.