The Regional Centre for Sustainable Adaptation to Global Change in the Middle East (SAGE) is now accepting applications for 18 fully funded PhD fellowships within its Research School on Climate Change Studies.
Funded by DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) with support from the German Federal Foreign Office, SAGE is jointly coordinated by University of Tübingen (Germany) and An-Najah National University (Palestine).
These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of scientists who will shape climate adaptation, sustainable resource management, and evidence-based policy solutions across the Middle East.
About SAGE
SAGE is one of four global climate & environment excellence centres supported by DAAD. Operating across the Jordan River region, the Centre focuses on:
- Climate change adaptation
- Water scarcity and hydrology
- Biodiversity and land use
- Socio-economic impacts & ecosystem services
- Governance, ethics, and climate justice
Fellows will be affiliated with a German university, conduct fieldwork in Jordan and/or Palestine, and receive co-supervision from regional and German experts.
Fellowship Details
- Start date: May 2026
- Duration: Minimum 3 years (possible extension)
- Funding includes:
- Monthly fellowship
- Research funds
- Fieldwork support
- Annual research visits abroad
- Training through SAGE Research School
Who Can Apply
Applicants must have:
- A Master’s degree in a field relevant to the project(s) they select
- Excellent English & Arabic communication skills
- Strong motivation, creativity, critical thinking
- Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams
Candidates can apply to up to three projects.
SAGE strongly encourages women and underrepresented groups to apply.
How to Apply
Submit one PDF containing:
- Motivation letter
- Full CV
- Transcript of records (Bachelor & Master)
- Two reference letters (sent directly by referees)
Send applications to:
application-sage@biologie.uni-tuebingen.de
Deadline: 25 January 2026
Research Areas & Project Themes
A. Climate & Hydrology
- Water harvesting in rangelands
- Green roofs & flood mitigation
- Floating photovoltaics & water-energy-food nexus
- Groundwater vulnerability in the West Bank
- Water quality for irrigation in Jordan
- Wastewater irrigation & soil impacts
B. Biodiversity & Land Use
- Tipping points in rangelands
- Citizen-science monitoring of rangeland quality
- Ecosystem red-listing in Jordan & Palestine
- Pollination services under climate change
- Intercropping systems for semi-arid agriculture
C. Ecosystem Services & Socio-Economy
- Incentives for sustainable agricultural water use
- Modelling the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystem nexus
- Non-renewable groundwater management
- Economy-wide impacts of land degradation
- Economic valuation of rainwater harvesting
- Institutional change & rangeland governance
D. Governance & Ethics
- Climate governance & ethics in conflict contexts
- Climate extremes & state violence
- Transboundary water agreements & advocacy
- Rights of Nature in Palestine
- Rights of Nature in Jordan
- Rights of Nature across the Mashriq
- Food waste governance & behavioural nudging
Why Apply?
- Join a prestigious DAAD-funded global centre
- Receive world-class supervision from EU and Middle Eastern experts
- Work on projects with real regional impact
- Conduct fieldwork in one of the world’s most climate-sensitive regions
- Develop skills spanning science, policy, governance, and ethics
- Become part of an international research network focused on climate solutions
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