PhD positions at the Faculty of Law

Two four year fulltime paid PhD positions are avaibale at the Faculty of Law of Maastricht University. PhD researchers participate in the Maastricht University Graduate School of Law. They will prepare a PhD thesis in English or Dutch within the Faculty of Law’s research programme. Supervision will be provided by individually assigned senior researchers. At least 80% of the position will be dedicated to research and not more than 20% to teaching activities. PhD researchers join the faculty department in the field linked to the theme of their research proposal.

Two four year fulltime paid positions are provided by The Special Research Fund UHasselt – Maastricht University in the framework of the joint PhD programme between Maastricht University and Hasselt University. They will prepare a PhD thesis in English or Dutch within the research programmes of both faculties.  Both will receive a double doctoral degree (2 separate degrees that refer to each other) between Hasselt University and Maastricht University. One PhD candidate will be appointed by Hasselt University. The terms of employment of Hasselt University will apply. One PhD candidate will be appointed by Maastricht University. The terms of employment of Maastricht University will apply.

We are looking for graduates with a relevant Master degree and excellent grades. Motivated and determined researchers possessing first-rate analytical and writing skills. Final-year (master) students are (likewise) encouraged to apply if they have proven research skills. Candidates who have already started their PhD research, but are not employed as resident PhD researchers in Maastricht, Hasselt or elsewhere.

Three PhD candidates will be appointed by Maastricht Univesity We offer a 1.0 fte contract for a period of 4 years, starting preferably in September 2020. An application for a shorter period can also be submitted. Continuation after the first year is dependent upon a positive evaluation.

The full-time gross monthly salary amounts to € 2.325,00 in the first year according to salary scale PhD (‘promovendus’), increasing to € 2.972,00 in the fourth year; on top of this there will be an 8% holiday and an 8,3% year-end allowance.

You have to be willing to move to (the vicinity of) Maastricht. If you do not already live in Maastricht (or its direct surroundings), you will be eligible for an allowance for moving costs. If you do not already live in Maastricht (or its direct surroundings), you might be eligible for an allowance for alternative housing.Other secondary conditions include a pension scheme and partially paid parental leave.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

The fourth PhD candidate will be appointed by Hasselt University. The terms of employment can be found on their website: www.uhasselt.be > HR policy.

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 18,000 students and 4,300 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

The Faculty of Law has a strong and distinct international profile both in education and research. Our faculty is an inspiring and lively place where enthusiastic and inquisitive researchers attempt to find answers to the important legal issues of today. Researchers are able to flourish in the faculty’s vibrant academic community. They develop their own research projects, within the contours set by the faculty’s research programme. Research is focused on the study of the role of law in an increasingly globalised society. Research involves studying both institutional and substantive developments in the process of Europeanisation and globalisation and the role of the national legal order therein. This takes place by means of comparative research and research in the field of European law, international economic law and human rights in a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary context. To this end, various research methods are applied whereby more traditional methods are combined with empirical research methods.

Graduate School

The faculty values the significant contribution of motivated and talented PhD researchers to a vibrant research climate, which is why the recruitment, supervision and training of PhD researchers are set so high on the faculty’s agenda. All these activities are covered by the Maastricht Graduate School of Law. The school is committed to educating young academics and to contributing to the advancement of knowledge through original research. It is dedicated to training excellent law students from all over the world to help them to extend, deepen and actively apply their knowledge, so as to become highly qualified independent researchers. The graduate school offers PhD candidates a stimulating and internationally oriented environment for legal research and aims to contribute to strengthening the faculty’s research profile.

Appointment date

1 September 2020 (preferably).

Application

An application consists of:

• a fully elaborated proposal drafted in English or Dutch (according to the language in which the dissertation will be written), using the application form attached to this call. The Word-document can be found here;

• a detailed CV, including – if applicable – relevant publications;
• academic transcript of bachelor’s and master’s degrees and list of grades;
• if the dissertation will be written in English, proof of the English language level (being a native speaker, having completed a university degree in the English language or having passed a IELTS or TOEFL test; a IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in writing or an internet-based TOEFL score of 90 with no less than 23 in writing is sufficient);
• a motivation letter;
• a letter of commitment by the envisaged promotor(s), including, if applicable, a substantiated indication of the number of years required;
• contact details of two references;
• the Master’s thesis or, if applicable, another substantial piece of English or Dutch writing;
• short bio envisaged promotor(s) demonstrating expertise in the field of the proposal.

The deadline for submitting your application is up to and including 15 April 2020.

 Conditions for submitting an application

When submitting a proposal the following conditions apply:

• it is for the candidate to find (a) supervisor(s). Preferably in an early stage, the applicant commits to a professor or associate professor of the Faculty of Law who will act as the promotor of the proposed PhD research; he or she will formally endorse his or her commitment as a supervisor to the proposed research project by means of a formal letter;
• In case the candidate applies for a Maastricht position, the envisaged supervisor will ensure that a least one co-promotor from inside or outside the Faculty of Law will join the team of supervisors. If the candidate applies for a position of the joint Hasselt – Maastricht programme, a Hasselt University supervisor who can act as 'promotor' (cf. section 10 of the UHasselt doctoral regulations) also has to commit to the proposal.
• each professor or associate professor of Maastricht University and each professor of Hasselt University may commit to only one application either as promotor or co-promotor.

Applications should be addressed to: Pzfdrvacatures@maastrichtuniversity.nl. Only an application with all the above mentioned required documents will be assessed. Please mention the vacancy number.

If you apply for the Joint call UHasselt-Maastricht University, also send the application form to bof@uhasselt.be.

For further information, please contact Patrick van Eijs, policy adviser for research (tel. 0031-43-3882027, email) or Sara Schaeken, staff member Research Coordination Office UHasselt (tel +32-11-268576, email).

Maastricht University is committed to nurturing an inclusive culture and a welcoming atmosphere. This inclusiveness strategy has resulted in a very diverse representation of nationalities and cultures. We strongly believe that diversity (including, but not limited to nationality, age and gender) of the staff and student population will increase the quality of UM education & research. Fostering diversity and inclusivity creates an academic community where individual talents thrive, and values and differences are cherished. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are qualified for this position.