The ERC project EU-JUSTICE

Access to civil justice is of paramount importance for enforcing rights of consumers and businesses and protecting fundamental rights. Key issues in the current efforts to improve access to justice at the EU and national level are digitalisation of procedures, privatisation of justice (ADR), an increased possibility of self-representation, and specialisation of courts and procedures. This ERC Consolidator project investigates how digitalisation, privatisation, self-representation, and specialisation trends influence access to justice in a number of Member States, and what the repercussions are for the emerging EU civil justice system.

For this project, Erasmus School of Law is looking for a talented and energetic postdoctoral researcher with a strong interests in multidisciplinary research and the overall objectives of the project. The ideal candidate should be a dynamic and independent thinker with a team spirit, and should enjoy working in an international environment. The project is financed by the European Research Council under its ERC Consolidator scheme (funding ID 726032). The project is led by Prof. dr. Xandra Kramer (PI). The project kicked off in September 2017 with a group of six researchers and a research assistant with diverse backgrounds who have very successfully collaborated in conducting and presenting research from a multidisciplinary perspective, organising international events, and reaching out to key stakeholders at national and European levels to create impact. The researcher will conduct research in the area of ADR, and will collaborate with the other project members, in particular with the PhD researcher working on ODR. While the research takes place in the context of the project description, the researcher remains free to develop his or her own strands of research within the broad area of ADR.

Our project website is: http://www.euciviljustice.eu/.

• hold a PhD, or obtain this before or shortly after appointment, in dispute resolution, or (European) civil procedure;
• good knowledge of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms;
• relevant international publications;
• experience with comparative law research;
• preferably experience with or qualifications in empirical legal research;
• human and managerial skills as well as a relevant professional network ;
• excellent writing and oral skills in English; and
• working proficiency in at least one or two other languages relevant for the project will be an asset.

The start date is 1 January 2020 or any earlier if possible. The employment is for a fixed term of twenty months (1 September 2021), but may be extended for a fixed period if additional funding is obtained.

The work conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO NU). The salary is dependent on prior training and experience and corresponds to Scale 11 CAO NU, with a minimum of € 3,637.- gross per month on a 38 hour per week contract. If you have not obtained a PHD yet, the salary will corresponds to scale 10 CAO NU at the beginning.

The EUR has attractive employment conditions, which include a holiday allowance of 8.0%, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 41 annual vacation days in case of a full workweek.

An assessment will form part of the selection procedure.

Erasmus University Rotterdam

The Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is an internationally oriented university with a pronounced social orientation in its education and research. Our scientists and students work to solve global and social challenges, inspired by the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam. Our academic education is intensive, active, and applied. Our research is increasingly taking place in multidisciplinary teams, which are highly intertwined with international networks. With our research impact and study quality, Erasmus University Rotterdam is highly ranked and can compete with leading European universities. Important values for Erasmus University Rotterdam are being daring, curious, socially involved, deliberate and aspiring to success.

Erasmus School of Law

Erasmus School of Law (ESL) employs 490 members of staff and is attended by around 5000 students. ESL offers bachelor programmes in Law, Tax Law and Criminology, with a focus on active academic learning. Students can subsequently choose from a wide variety of master programmes. ESL also collaborates in Double Degree programmes combining law and (business) economics or law and business administration and is one of the founders of the European Master in Law & Economics. Once students have completed their master’s degree, they may choose from several postgraduate tracks provided by Erasmus School of Law (in collaboration with Erasmus Academy and others).

The fundamental premise underlying academic research conducted at Erasmus School of Law is that law cannot be considered in splendid isolation or as an end in itself. It is embedded in an economic and social context that shapes law. At the same time, law itself shapes society and defines economic relationships. In line with this vision, our mission is to conduct innovative research on the function of law in its economic and social context. This research has a strong social and business-driven orientation. Erasmus School of Law is committed to promoting international and interdisciplinary research, as shown by its participation in several international research collaborations.

We engage in research-driven education, in which research questions as well as the interdisciplinary and international approach are embedded.