The T.M.C. Asser Institute, a prestigious centre for international and European law, is searching for a visionary scholar to lead as its next Academic Director. Located in The Hague, the "international city of peace and justice," the institute is renowned for its cutting-edge research and strong ties to global legal networks. The new Academic Director will steer the Institute’s strategic growth, shaping the future of international legal discourse.

The T.M.C. Asser Institute is at the forefront of legal research in international public and private law as well as European law. Through a combination of fundamental, policy-orientated, and commissioned research, it addresses the critical legal challenges of today and tomorrow. By fostering dialogue and collaboration between academia, legal practitioners, and policymakers, the Institute plays a vital role in global legal governance.

With its headquarters in The Hague, the Institute benefits from close connections to international courts, tribunals, embassies, and NGOs. These relationships provide fertile ground for research and professional education and allow the Institute to maintain its influence in international law circles.

Position Overview
The new Academic Director will assume leadership at an exciting time. They will oversee the Institute’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with the University of Amsterdam’s (UvA) strategic agenda while promoting a robust financial future. This role involves shaping the Institute’s research agenda, which currently centres on "Rethinking Public Interests in International and European Law," spanning topics from state accountability to the regulation of disruptive technologies.

In addition to overseeing research activities, the Academic Director will engage deeply with the Institute’s external partners and serve as the public face of the organization. From leading research initiatives to ensuring educational excellence, the Academic Director will be key to advancing the Institute’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Guide the development and execution of the Institute’s strategic policy and ensure alignment with UvA’s strategic agenda.
• Research Excellence: Ensure the highest quality of research output by overseeing performance evaluations, mentoring staff, and facilitating talent development.
• External Engagement: Represent the Institute in legal academia, public discourse, and policy-making while expanding the Institute's international networks, particularly in The Hague.
• Educational Impact: Lead and coordinate the Institute’s PhD programs and professional education activities, ensuring the highest academic standards.

Profile
The Academic Director will be a recognised scholar in the field of either international public law, European law, or international private law. The ideal candidate will have experience leading research teams, a proven ability to secure external funding, and a strong commitment to academic teaching. Candidates should have deep networks in academia and the international legal community, particularly in The Hague.

In addition to their academic leadership, the new director should embody inclusive and results-oriented leadership, with a keen awareness of international societal and political developments. A strong entrepreneurial spirit, intercultural sensitivity, and a commitment to fostering collaboration within a diverse and international team are key to success in this role.

Candidates with limited Dutch language skills must possess a strong grasp of Dutch academic and administrative culture and be prepared to attain an advanced level of proficiency in the Dutch language within two years of starting, aligned with their role’s demands and responsibilities.

Terms of Employment
The Academic Director will be employed at the T.M.C. Asser Institute in The Hague, which is financed through the University of Amsterdam.

An employment contract comprising an appointment as Academic Director at the T.M.C. Asser Institute as well as a professorial appointment (HGL 2) at the UvA Law School is offered. The appointment as Academic Director is for a period of five years with the possibility of extension.

The employment contract is for 38 hours per week. Depending on relevant experience at the start of the employment, the base monthly salary will range from €6,894 to €10,038 (HGL 2 CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten) and will be supplemented with a leadership bonus based on a 38-hour workweek, excluding an 8% vacation allowance and an 8.3% yearend bonus. The Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten), as well as Dutch law in general, will be applicable to the contract.

About us

The University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the widest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 40.000 students, 6.000 employees and 3.000 PhD students connected by a culture of curiosity. Read more.

Amsterdam Law School
Committed, responsible and open-minded. This is how we at the Amsterdam Law School view the role of law in a constantly changing (international) society. With over 5,000 students and almost 600 staff, we are one of the larger law faculties in the Netherlands. We educate legal professionals who know how to apply the law effectively with the aim of actually contributing to solutions for society. We respond to social developments through innovative and pioneering research. In this way, we always keep in touch with society.

How to apply
An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver to assist the Appointment Advisory Committee in identifying the widest possible field of qualified candidates and assisting in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role.

Informal enquiries and questions can be directed to Dr. Valia Sakkoula on +31 (0)6 39 089 910 or by email on valia.sakkoula@perrettlaver.com

Applications should consist of a full CV and motivation letter, and can be uploaded at https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/, quoting reference number 7047.

The closing date for applications is Friday 18th October at 9am. The selection interviews will take place in November.

A management assessment may be part of the application procedure.

DO NOT USE THE ‘APPLY’ BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

As defined under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Perrett Laver is a Data Controller and a Data Processor, and our legal basis for processing your personal data is ‘Legitimate Interest’. For more information about this, your rights, and our approach to Data Protection and Privacy, please visit our website http://www.perrettlaver.com/information/privacy-policy/

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please