European Research College Amsterdam (ERC Amsterdam B.V.)
ERC Amsterdam invites applications for several full-time Junior Researcher and part-time Senior Researcher positions in Law. The positions are research-only, with no teaching duties.
We welcome applications from all fields of law. Areas of particular interest include international commercial law, corporate law, and the regulation of digital markets and technologies, but strong candidates from other legal fields are encouraged to apply.
About the positions
ERC Amsterdam is part of the European Research College, the research network of the European Research University (ERUNI), with hubs in London, Amsterdam and Rome. Researchers at ERC Amsterdam pursue their own research agendas with significant autonomy in research design and publication strategy, while contributing to a growing international research community.
We particularly welcome candidates ready to pursue competitive research funding, including Horizon Europe, European Research Council grants, and other international schemes. Successful applicants will receive institutional support in developing competitive proposals.
Key details
- Positions: Junior Researcher (full-time, based onsite in Amsterdam); Senior Researcher (0.2 FTE, hybrid)
- Employer: ERC Amsterdam B.V.
- Location: Warmoesstraat 149-151, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Salary: Junior, EUR 52,000 gross per year; Senior, pro rata on a full-time equivalent of EUR 100,000 gross per year. Both figures are inclusive of holiday allowance.
- Contract: Initial one-year contract, with the prospect of a long-term appointment subject to performance.
- Start date: 1 March 2027. Junior Researchers are expected to be based in Amsterdam from this date.
What we offer
- Protected research time: research-only appointments with minimal administrative duties.
- Research freedom: full autonomy in selecting and designing your research themes.
- Funding support: institutional assistance with European and international funding applications.
- Scholarly community: shared seminars, workshops, visiting fellowships, and collaboration with ERC colleagues in London and Rome.
- Professional growth: mentoring, participation in research strategy, and access to ERUNI's collaborative research resources.
Responsibilities
All researchers will:
- conduct and publish high-quality research in law;
- develop and submit proposals to European and international funding schemes;
- collaborate with partner universities and policy institutions across Europe;
- represent ERC Amsterdam at academic and professional forums.
Senior Researchers will, in addition:
- mentor early-career researchers and contribute to academic seminars;
- identify funding opportunities and lead bids.
Requirements
Junior Researchers
- A PhD in law or a closely related discipline, awarded within the last eight years (excluding documented career breaks such as parental or medical leave).
- A demonstrated research trajectory and publication potential.
- Commitment to collaborative and cross-disciplinary work.
Senior Researchers
- A current or recent appointment at a high-quality research university.
- A sustained peer-reviewed publication record in law over at least eight years.
- A track record of securing competitive research funding.
- The ability to lead research lines and mentor junior scholars.
- The ability to hold a concurrent affiliation with ERC Amsterdam under the rules of your home institution.
Desirable for both
- Experience in European, international or comparative legal research.
- Participation in international research projects or networks.
- Editorial board, academic association, or policy engagement experience.
How to apply
Submit a single PDF containing:
- a short letter of motivation stating your research field and interest;
- one to three representative publications from the last five years (published, forthcoming, or working papers);
- a CV with a full list of publications (APA style, with DOIs where possible);
- a research plan outlining your intended programme of work (maximum three pages).
Apply by email to vit.simral@eruni.org with the subject line "ERC Application 2026 (Law, Amsterdam)".
Deadline: 6 December 2026. Only complete applications will be considered.
Selection
- Application review: assessment of research record and fit with ERC Amsterdam.
- Online interview: shortlisted candidates discuss their research vision, leadership potential and collaborative fit.
Contact: Vít Šimral, PhD, Head of Global Research Initiative, European Research University, vit.simral@eruni.org