"PhD Positions at the Faculty of Law (2 positions, 2026 Call for Proposals)"

Job Description

Welcome to Maastricht University

The world is changing rapidly – and so are we. At Maastricht University, your work makes a difference: whether you explore the future through research, inspire students in the classroom, or help build what makes our education and research possible.

In 2026, the Faculty of Law offers two fully funded, full-time PhD positions. Through this call for proposals, we invite talented, motivated researchers to submit an original and well-founded research idea that aligns with the Faculty’s expertise and academic mission.

2 PhD Positions at the Faculty of Law

Our goal: To support excellent, innovative legal research and strengthen the Faculty’s academic community by attracting new PhD researchers with original perspectives and a collaborative spirit.

Your opportunity: This call for proposals consists of two phases. In the first phase, candidates submit a pre-proposal, which will be evaluated by a faculty-appointed selection committee. Selected candidates will then be invited to submit a full proposal and participate in an interview.

As a PhD researcher at Maastricht University, you will:

• develop and conduct your own research project, resulting in a PhD thesis (in English or Dutch);
• contribute to the Faculty’s vibrant international research community;
• participate in the Maastricht Graduate School of Law, benefiting from supervision, training, and peer exchange; and
• dedicate at least 80% of your time to research and up to 20% to teaching or related activities.

This is a unique opportunity to combine academic independence with professional growth in a supportive and interdisciplinary environment.

What you bring

It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about your motivation, creativity, and potential. Do you recognise yourself in this?

• You hold (or are completing) a relevant Master’s degree, preferably with excellent grades.
• You have strong research and analytical skills, and can demonstrate writing ability (for example through your Master’s thesis or a publication).
• You have an original, well-developed research idea and a clear motivation to pursue it at Maastricht University.
• You appreciate teamwork and are open to insights from different disciplines.
• You have an excellent command of English and/or Dutch, both written and spoken.

Each applicant must secure the commitment of a professor or associate professor at the Faculty of Law who will act as promotor. The promotor should provide a letter of commitment, confirming their willingness to supervise the project and the candidate. Each project should include at least one co-promotor, preferably from within the Faculty.

Assessment criteria

Pre-proposals are assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• clarity of the proposal;
• coherence of the proposal;
• relevance of the research project;
• motivation and adequacy of the candidate.

Additional criteria for the full proposal are:

• innovativeness of the proposal and potential contribution to the existing body of knowledge;
• methodological rigor, illustrated in the research design and methods proposed;
• match with the envisaged team of supervisors;
• feasibility (both in terms of research setup and budget).

What we offer

At Maastricht University, you will work in an international, open, and inclusive environment. We offer:

• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
• A gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881, based on experience and according to the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO-NU).
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (full-time), plus 4 additional days off and the option to accrue up to 12 extra days.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and hybrid working options.
• Freedom and support to shape your own research path.
• A strong academic community and access to professional development through the Maastricht Graduate School of Law.
• A good pension scheme (ABP), company fitness options, and an inspiring workplace in the heart of Europe.

How to apply

The selection process has two stages:

Pre-proposal: Submit a Research pre-proposal: A concise outline and description of your research idea, including your motivation for pursuing PhD research at the Faculty of Law and your suitability to carry out the proposed research. This should be drafted in English or Dutch (in line with the intended language of the dissertation) using the pre-proposal application form. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV, including – if applicable – relevant publications. Academic transcripts: Official transcripts of your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, including a list of grades. Letter of commitment: A letter from the envisaged promotor and co-promotor(s) confirming their commitment to supervise the proposed research. Deadline: Friday 23 January 2026, 17:00 (CET)

Full proposal: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a complete proposal and attend an interview. Deadline: Friday 27 March 2026, 17:00 (CET)

Please prepare your documents using the official application forms, available via the link below: https://surfdrive.surf.nl/s/XNmaXLRmg7J6ocK

About the Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law (LAW) is an international and dynamic academic community where education and research come together to explore how law can respond to societal change. Our research covers a wide range of fields – from European and international law to technology, sustainability, and human rights. We foster interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage curiosity, integrity, and impact.

About Maastricht University

At Maastricht University (UM), we work together to find answers that help move the world forward. We do this with 23,000 students and 5,000 staff members, spread across five regional locations, six faculties, and more than seventy research institutes. Here, you’ll have the freedom to push boundaries and discover new opportunities – for yourself and the world around you. Because real answers are found together.

Interested? Want to know more about this call or the application process? Please contact Patrick van Eijs, Policy Adviser for Research, Faculty of Law: +31 (0)43 388 2027 or via patrick.vaneijs@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Application deadlines: Pre-proposal: 23 January 2026, 17:00 CET Full proposal (by invitation): 27 March 2026, 17:00 CET Interviews will take place in April 2026, and selected candidates will receive an offer in early May 2026.

We look forward to your ideas and your contribution to our community. The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.