PhD Candidate in Law

Your job

Over a period of four years, you will conduct a PhD research under the supervision of a supervisor and one or more (co-)supervisors on a topic that aligns with our research programme Adaptivity of accountability and liability law. The research programme is available on the UCALL website. It focuses on the interaction between societal developments and the norms, structuring, allocation, enforcement, and (intended) societal functioning of accountability and liability. This interaction is examined, for instance, in the context of accountability and liability for new technologies, mass damages, climate change, and human rights violations. Proposals addressing other issues that fit within the research programme are also warmly welcomed. The proposal should explain how the multidimensional research method is applied (as described in the research programme). In particular, we find it important that the research encompasses at least two legal domains within UCALL's scope: administrative law, criminal law, private law, corporate law and international law. The aim is for your research to generate relevant results for legal practice at the Dutch, European, and/or international level.

Your research proposal should not exceed 1,000 words and must include a concise description of the research topic, the central research question, the methodology to be employed, and the connection to UCALL's research programme. The final design of the research will be determined in consultation with UCALL's leadership and the supervisory team. This supervisory team will be assembled in coordination with the selected candidate and the intended supervisors.

In addition to developing and conducting your own research, you will engage in knowledge dissemination activities. This includes participating in both internal and external research-related events and contributing to the organization of such gatherings.

Time will be allocated for your education and professional development, such as attending courses designed for PhD candidates. Furthermore, you will gain experience in teaching, dedicating a small portion of your time to educational activities.

In addition to setting up and conducting your own research, you will also devote some of your time to sharing knowledge by participating in internal and external research meetings and by helping to organise such meetings.

A portion of your working hours will also be set aside for training and development, for example by attending courses for PhD candidates. A small percentage of your time will be allocated to gaining teaching experience.

Your qualities

What do you bring with you?

• You enjoy being part of a team, and express that by being open to various types of collaboration, sharing knowledge and experiences, and contributing to a collegial, open and inclusive work environment. 
• You have good verbal and written communication skills.
• You are interested in the research focus of UCALL.
• You have the ambition of conducting innovative and thorough research, and to earn a PhD based on that research within four years.
• You have good research skills, and are open to improving them further with the help of your supervisors’ feedback.
• You are willing to teach for part of your contractual working hours.
• You have earned a university bachelor and master degree, or an equivalent, in law.

In addition to English language proficiency at the C1 level (CEFR), some proficiency in the Dutch language is also relevant. You are willing to develop your Dutch language proficiency to at least the B1 CEFR level.

Our offer

• a job for for the duration of 18 months. Following a positive evaluation the employment will be extended to 4 years in total.
• a working week of 36-40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2.901 and €3.707 (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)); 
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; 
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU. 

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance is a faculty at the heart of society, with a strong focus on social issues. Our subjects of Law, Economics and Governance give us a strong mix of academic disciplines that complement and enhance each other. This is a unique combination and a mark of our faculty's strength.

UU School of Law

The Utrecht University School of Law has provided quality research and education for more than 350 years. Constant innovation has enabled the School to maintain its leading position. Top-ranking research is conducted in all important legal fields: private law, criminal law, constitutional and administrative law, EU law, public international law. Researchers collaborate intensively with foreign partners, mainly from the angle of European and comparative law. The School of Law also conducts contract research and consultancy for other organisations. The extensive educational programme is based on academic research conducted within the faculty of Law, Economics and Governance. Students are trained to be highly qualified, internationally-oriented lawyers on the basis of modern didactical principles. 

More information

For more information about this position, please contact the directors of UCALL, prof. Elbert de Jong (e.r.dejong@uu.nl) or prof. J. Bijlsma (j.bijlsma@uu.nl).

If you would like to hear what it’s like to work in this position straight from one of our colleagues, then please contact: dr. Esther Nauta, postdoc bij UCALL , e.e.nauta@uu.nl.

Esther Nauta, Assistant Professor and Postdoctoral Researcher at the Utrecht Centre for Accountability and Liability Law (UCALL):

“UCALL offers a dynamic and innovative academic environment, providing ample opportunities to contribute to research that impacts both national and international legal landscapes. It is an intellectually stimulating setting, ideal for early-career researchers passionate about legal issues concerning socially significant themes.”

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send the following documents via the 'apply' button: 

• Your research proposal;
• curriculum vitae;
• list of grades for your masters;
• a letter of motivation via the 'apply' button.

The deadline for applications is 25^th of August 2025. The interview will be held in the first half of September.

The application deadline is 26 August 2025.