Researcher in Law

Location: Amsterdam Law School
Level: Master’s
Application Deadline: 26-04-2026
Vacancy Number: 14757
Salary: €3.059 - €3.881

About the Position

Are you interested in pursuing a PhD at the intersection of EU company law and EU competition law? Do you want to explore how legal frameworks shape markets, corporate behaviour, and economic ordering in times of profound societal transformation?

This PhD position offers the opportunity to develop your own ambitious research project exploring the role of law in addressing today’s most pressing challenges.

Working at the UvA

Join our PhD Research Project

European economies are undergoing structural transformation. Business corporations operate in an environment marked by:

• Growing social and economic inequalities, both within and between Member States, including widening disparities in income, wealth, and labour conditions

• The urgent need to address ecological degradation and planetary boundaries, requiring far-reaching changes in production and consumption patterns

• Concerns about the EU’s ability to remain competitive in a global economy characterised by geopolitical fragmentation and industrial policy revival

• The rapid development and deployment of artificial intelligence, with significant implications for labour markets, corporate governance, and market structures

Corporations and markets are not neutral phenomena: they are constituted and structured by law. Company law, competition law, and (where relevant) financial law form the legal architecture of the European market economy. They structure corporate purpose, allocate economic power, and shape market dynamics.

Applicants are asked to write their own research proposal within the broad theme indicated above. The proposal must integrate both EU company law and EU competition law. It may also incorporate elements of financial law, organisational ethics, or broader EU economic governance.

While the European Union must form a core part of the analysis, comparative or transnational perspectives are encouraged. Projects combining a strong theoretical framework with doctrinal analysis are preferred. Where appropriate, empirical methods (case studies, interviews, quantitative analysis, or mixed approaches) are welcome. Interdisciplinary engagement – such as with economics, political theory, sociology, or business studies – is encouraged.

All About This Vacancy

What You Will Do

• Primarily carry out your doctoral research

• Contribute to teaching activities on a limited scale

What We Ask of You

• A master’s degree in law

• Knowledge of EU law

• Experience with and passion for academic research and writing

• A clear research interest within the scope of this position

What We Offer You

• Employment contract for one year with a probationary period of two months, preferably starting on 1 September 2026

• Appointment extension for another three years upon positive assessment (until 31 August 2030)

• Full-time contract (38 hours/week) leading to a dissertation (PhD thesis)

• Salary starting at €3.059 gross per month, increasing to €3.881 by year 4 (excluding 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance)

• Potential eligibility for the 30% tax ruling for non-Dutch applicants

• Employment under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)

• Support from a team of academic supervisors

• Participation in the Amsterdam Law School’s PhD training programme and community

Your Place at the UvA

Where You Will Work

As a doctoral researcher, you will join:

• Amsterdam Centre for Transformative Private Law (ACT)

• Amsterdam Centre for European Law and Governance (ACELG)

ACT and ACELG are leading research centres offering high-quality contributions to research and education.

ACT investigates the role of private law in constituting and changing societies, covering traditional areas such as contract, tort, property, family, and company law, as well as newer fields like consumer law, labour law, insolvency law, and financial law.

ACELG focuses on advancing understanding of European law and governance to foster just, democratic, and sustainable European societies. It investigates various dimensions of European law, including institutional, constitutional, and economic aspects.

About the Amsterdam Law School

Committed, responsible, and open-minded. With over 5,000 students and 600 staff, the Amsterdam Law School is one of the larger law faculties in the Netherlands.

We educate legal professionals who can apply the law effectively to contribute to societal solutions. Through innovative research, we respond to social developments while staying connected to society.

Important to Know

Your Application & Contact

Applications must include:

• CV

• Cover letter explaining your motivation and suitability (max. 500 words)

• Research proposal (problem statement, research question, methodology, bibliography; max. 2,000 words including bibliography; footnotes recommended)

• Writing sample in English (published article, draft paper, master thesis, etc.)

• Academic transcripts (bachelor and master degree)

• Contact details of two referees (no reference letters required at this stage; list at end of CV)

Document submission: Only two PDF documents can be uploaded. Combine the required files accordingly.

We strongly encourage applicants to avoid extensive use of AI-based tools and to submit materials reflecting their own independent thinking and writing.

Application deadline: 26 April 2026 (23:59 CET). Late submissions will not be considered.

Selection process: Selected candidates will be invited to an online interview and notified by 13 May 2026. Interviews will take place on 18–19 May, with a final round on 28 May at the University in Amsterdam.

Questions about the position:

• Jan Broulík – [email protected]

• Kinanya Pijl – [email protected]

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are committed to creating a place where everyone feels at home.

Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply if they meet 100% of the qualifications. If you meet the educational requirements but not all requested experience, the UvA encourages you to apply anyway.