"Promovendus Encyclopedie van de Rechtswetenschap"

At the Department of Encyclopedia of Law at the Institute of Metajuridica of the Faculty of Law, there is a vacancy for a PhD candidate.

You will conduct legal-philosophical PhD research under the supervision of Prof. Dr. A. Ellian on how European democracies can respond to the challenge of 'strategic narratives as warfare' in increasingly uncertain geopolitical times. International challengers of democracies produce misleading but often masterfully constructed narratives to undermine public trust and coexistence in democracies. As Europe's vulnerability in its own security situation has become acutely apparent, the question arises how European democracies can strengthen their defense specifically in this area. Faced with misleading 'strategic narratives' as part of hybrid warfare, how can and may democracies respond? What 'tools' do democracies have in this struggle? And what moral, legal, and political boundaries does the liberal democracy impose on the role democracies play in the international ideas and influence struggle? The PhD candidate is expected to play an active role in further defining the research topic and shaping the research in this area, always in consultation with the supervisor and co-supervisor. After four years, the research will result in an academic dissertation.

Additionally, you will provide teaching in at least two (bachelor) courses of the department each year. For this, you will follow courses as part of the PhD training at the Faculty's Graduate School and obtain the BKO partial certificate for PhD candidates.

You will work at the Faculty of Law, located in Leiden and The Hague, with over 7000 students and about 600 employees, one of the largest faculties in the Netherlands. The faculty focuses on innovative multidisciplinary research and a continually innovative educational offering based on societal issues. Our faculty is large enough to make a national and international difference and small enough to offer personal education. Thus, we contribute daily to a safe and sustainable world. Impact with law! For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/rechtsgeleerdheid.

The Department of Encyclopedia of Law provides education on and conducts research in the broad field of legal theory and philosophy of law. In the Bachelor of Law, this includes systematic introductions to law, foundations, and methods education. In the master specialization Encyclopedia and Philosophy of Law, courses on the legal theory of criminal law, public law, and international law. In research, long-term and more recent focal points of the department include: resilient democracy, terrorism, disinformation, and geopolitics. Researchers affiliated with the department are regularly consulted as experts by media and governments. They collaborate nationally and internationally and contribute to a vibrant research environment.

We are looking for a motivated, scientifically curious, and proactive candidate with a proven interest in an academic career: You have completed a legal master's degree; You are an analytically sharp and substantively interested perseverer who demonstrates a high degree of independence in research; You have talent for conducting scientific research and are able to set up and execute a larger research project under supervision; You combine broad general knowledge of law with knowledge of a related discipline, such as philosophy, political science, or international relations; You have excellent written and oral command of the Dutch and English languages.

We strive to promote an inclusive community, central to the values and vision of Leiden University. The university aims to be an inclusive community where all students and staff feel valued and respected and can fully develop. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our education and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research is inclusive.

We offer: An employment contract for 1 year with, upon mutual satisfaction, an extension of 3 years. The contract falls under the CAO Dutch Universities; A salary between €3059 and €3881 gross per month for a full-time appointment (38 hours); Holiday allowance (8%), end-of-year bonus (8.3%), and an attractive pension scheme with ABP; Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs; Flexible working hours: standard at least 29 vacation days for a full-time workweek of 38 hours; you can build up additional leave or reduce hours; Extensive choice in secondary employment conditions; If the work allows, hybrid working within the Netherlands is possible; A home working allowance and attention to good workplaces, plus a laptop and mobile phone from the university. For more information on employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden.