Researcher in Law

Do you enjoy:

• Coordinating and implementing international criminal law projects
• Conducting cutting-edge research in the field of international criminal law
• Publishing articles in academic and professional journals
• Presenting research at academic conferences
• Engaging with the media
• Engaging with project partners and relevant stakeholders
• Drafting proposals to acquire new (research) funding
• Working closely together with other researchers

What does this job entail?

The researcher will join the research strand ‘In the public interest: accountability of the state and the prosecution of crimes’ within our Research Agenda ‘Rethinking public interests in international and European law’. 

The position will entail the coordination and implementation of various international criminal law-related projects at the Asser Institute, many of which are related to Ukraine. Examples are the International Crimes Database and the Nexus on Conflict and Crime, the Correspondents’ Reports (databases), our inter-university programmes in Lebanon and Ukraine (educational programmes) and our capacity-building activities (including our MATRA-Ukraine project). Work would include strengthening domestic systems through international (human rights) law and assisting domestic authorities, but also criminal justice professionals, CSOs, defence and victims’ counsel, journalists, students, and the public at large in pursuing accountability for international crimes, in a manner that is fully in compliance with international law.

What do you have to offer?

The successful candidate is expected to have the following profile:

• A PhD in international criminal law;
• A strong interest in and understanding of current international criminal law debates, in particular in the context of Ukraine; 
• Experience or a demonstrable interest in working, including conducting research, at the cutting edge of academia and practice; 
• Ability to speak with both academics and practitioners, as well as funders and other stakeholders, from supreme court judges and ministers to students; 
• Experience or a demonstrable interest in doing acquisition work; 
• Experience or a demonstrable interest in coordinating and implementing (capacity building) projects; 
• Experience or a demonstrable interest in working with databases and websites; 
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Strong English language skills;
• Willingness to work and live in (the vicinity of) The Hague; 
• Command of the Ukrainian language is an advantage.

What can we offer you?

The appointment is initially for two years. 

The salary will be in accordance with the salary scales of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities, scale 11, with a range of €4.332 to €5.929 gross per month (full-time), depending on the actual level of relevant education and experience. This amount already includes the increase as of 1 August due to the result of the CLA NU 2023 negotiations. Secondary benefits at Dutch universities are attractive and include 8% holiday pay and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.

The employee will be appointed at the University of Amsterdam and seconded to the Asser Institute.

About us

The T.M.C. Asser Instituut is an internationally renowned research institute in the fields of international law and European law based in The Hague. The institute is affiliated with the University of Amsterdam.

Our values

The Asser community is a public-spirited community that is committed to excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and public values.

Our Vision

We envision a world in which local, national and transnational public interests are protected and promoted by international and European public and private law. This is supported by critical reflection conducive to perspectives for action to confront our global challenges.

Our Mission

The Asser Institute aims to contribute to the development of international and European public and private law by independently conducting fundamental, policy-oriented and applied legal research, as well as by initiating and facilitating academic and expert meetings, (professional) education, and public events that aim to disseminate knowledge of international and European law.

Any questions?

Further information can be obtained from Dr Christophe Paulussen, Senior Researcher at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut (e-mail: c.paulussen@asser.nl)

Job application

Candidates who are interested in applying should send their letter of motivation and their CV to po@asser.nl by 7 August 2023 at 10:00 CEST at the latest indicating ‘Application Researcher International Criminal Law’. Individual interviews will take place in the week of 14 August 2023. The envisaged starting date is 1 October 2023 or soon thereafter. Applications received after the deadline, not including the required two components (letter of motivation and a CV) will not be considered eligible. 

Please do not use the application button below.

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.