As part of the Dutch government’s sector plan for law, we are looking to hire two PhD candidates for the project Empirical Legal Studies on the topic ‘Markets, behavior, and the regulatory role of law’. This project focuses on the empirical examination of behaviors of market players on the one hand and the rules of law regulating market behaviors on the other hand. Our research on this topic follows an interdisciplinary approach and brings together scholars from different legal disciplines as well as the social sciences. Each position entails a full-time contract for four years (in the Netherlands, PhD candidates are members of staff, not students). Specifically, it concerns one of the following two projects on the overarching theme ‘Markets, behavior, and the regulatory role of law’:

• An empirical legal examination of online price discrimination, justice, and regulation. Supervisors: Helen Pluut, h.pluut@law.leidenuniv.nl, Bart Custers and Jean-Pierre van der Rest.

In the current data-driven economy, large amounts of data on consumer behavior are used to optimize profits by (dynamically) differentiating prices for different consumers. This project aims to gain insights into the perceptions and behaviors of consumers, users, and regulatory actors regarding different forms of price discrimination, and its implications for market regulation.

• Compliance with fundamental labor rights through codes of conduct in the global supply chain. Supervisors: Helen Pluut, h.pluut@law.leidenuniv.nl, Yvonne Erkens and prof.mr.dr. Willem van Boom.

Protection of fundamental labor rights in global supply chains has become a major concern as a consequence of globalization and the rise of multinational companies. Companies increasingly consider it their responsibility to develop policy on Corporate Social Responsibility. In this context, it is important to look at soft law and its effectiveness as an alternative form of regulation. The aim of this project is to investigate what is the impact of codes of conduct on multinational companies’ compliance with fundamental labor rights. Your appointment should lead to a completed and successfully defended PhD thesis and entails participation in the PhD training programme offered by the Graduate School of Law.

• You have a master’s degree and preferably a background in both law and one of the social sciences;
• For the project on price discrimination, a background in one or more of the following fields is desired: law (private law or ICT law), psychology, marketing, business administration or a related education;
• For the project on labor rights, a background in one or more of the following fields is desired: labor law, entrepreneurship (incl. corporate social responsibility), organization studies or a related education;
• You have experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods and analysis techniques;
• You are passionate about and have the capacity to do scientific research, proven inter alia by a strong and convincing master’s thesis, papers, and/or publications;
• You are analytically strong and have the perseverance and strength of character to complete a long-term challenging project;
• You can work both independently and as part of a team and show an interest in working interdisciplinary;
• You are proficient in English, at a level required to conduct academic research and engage in academic discussions.

The positions for Empirical Legal Studies do not require that you are a legal expert but it is important that you are interested in legal questions. If you do not have experience with but nonetheless are interested in doing empirical research, it is also useful to apply. Please feel free to enquire about this.

We offer a full-time one-year position, with the possibility of an extension of three years based on a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility. Salary ranges from €2.325,- to €2.972,- gross per month on a full-time basis (pay scale P, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year (8.3%) bonuses, training and career development, and paid parental leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses, we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Leiden University

With over 5,000 students and 450 members of staff, Leiden Law School is one of the largest faculties in the Netherlands. Yet, in all its diversity, it is still known for its ability to provide education on a small scale. The Faculty focuses on multi-faceted high-level teaching and research, both nationally and internationally. It does so by working with talented people and stimulating and supporting them in their professional and personal ambitions. The Faculty is housed in the beautifully restored Kamerlingh Onnes Building in Leiden. Working at Leiden Law School means working in an inspiring scientific environment.