PhD researcher in Law or Criminology, M/F 1.0 FTE, start in September 2018 (7 positions)

We are looking for five PhD researchers who will perform excellent research in Law or Criminology in connection with one of the research themes pursued by Erasmus School of Law. This is an open application round, in which candidates are selected on the basis of their professional qualification, the letter of motivation, the quality of their own research proposal, and the extent to which this fits with the research profile of ESL. EGSL has created a two-phased structure for the four-year doctoral programme: a probationary period (14 months) followed by a 34-month PhD programme. The probationary period consists of a full educational programme of 60 ects (including 20 ects for individual research). In the remaining 34-month period PhD researchers, focus entirely on research and the completion of their thesis. In both phases structured guidance is provided by the thesis supervisor and a doctorate committee composed of three senior researchers and the EGSL Director or EGSL Dean of the PhD Programme.

Besides the five PhD positions, the Erasmus Initiative Inclusive Prosperity is looking for two PhD candidates with a keen interest in and knowledge of subjects that may help foster inclusive prosperity of society. Preferably, candidates have an additional background in Management, Philosophy or any other relevant social science. The research will be done in close proximity to the collegues in the Initiative from Law as well as Management and Philosophy. PhD candidates under the supervision of the Initiative are expected to engage in its research community and will be co-supervised by a professor from one of the two partner schools. Appointment will be within ESL. Possible research foci can be found in the documents following the hyperlink below. Information about Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) can be found here; information about the Faculty of Philosophy can be found here.  

You have a university degree in Law, Criminology or other disciplines relevant to the research themes mentioned above. You can demonstrate relevant scientific research skills, proven, for example, by academic publications or by the quality of your master thesis. You have excellent oral and written skills in English – and Dutch if applicable. Additionally, a professor affiliated to ESL is willingly to act as your sponsor (for more information, please read the application criteria below). 

Please note that an assessment is part of the application procedure.

Current master students are welcome to apply. However, appointment will only be possible if the master degree has been obtained before 1 September 2018. You can apply without having proof of obtaining your master’s degree, however, bear in mind that proof of a master’s degree is a formal requirement for employment.

This position comes with good employment conditions, compliant with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO NU). The position begins with a temporary employment contract for 14 months in which the candidate’s suitability is evaluated. If the candidate is suitable, then an additional contract of 34 months follows, leading to a total appointment of 4 years. The salary is in accordance with the doctoral candidate scale of the CAO NU. For a full-time appointment, the salary is € 2,222 gross per month during the first year, which will increase annually up to € 2,840 gross per month in the fourth year. In addition, the attractive employment package includes an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, generous leave provisions for a healthy work-life balance, a good pension scheme, excellent options for collective insurance, and a provision for the use of the Internet at home. The employee may also use a number of campus facilities, such as sports facilities and the library.

Your application must be written in English and according to the application format (find attached).

Please note that the assessment of the applications takes place in a single blind review procedure. Please do not refer to any personal information (name, date of birth, country of origin, etc) in your CV or application form unless where it is explicitly required in the form.

Bear in mind that you will need to have consulted a prospective supervisor at least one month before the deadline passes. 

Furthermore, the research proposal will be evaluated based on the following themes:

• Innovativeness of research proposal

• Methodological soundness

• Feasibility with regard to scope, methods applied, timing and budget

• Academic thoroughness

• Link to ESL research profile / the Initiative

• Societal relevance of research proposal