Doctoral scholarship holder in the broad field of human rights law and global justice

Role Overview
The Faculty of Law at the University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in the broad field of human rights law and global justice. The position involves working actively on the preparation and defence of a doctoral thesis in the context of the Law and Development Research Group, under the supervision of prof. dr. Wouter Vandenhole. The doctoral thesis must be situated in the broad domain of human rights law and global justice.

Responsibilities
- Work actively on the preparation and defence of a doctoral thesis.
- Engage with research topics such as: Universities as human rights duty-bearers, New human rights duty-bearers, Children’s rights, Equality and non-discrimination. A socio-legal methodology and an interdisciplinary approach are strongly encouraged, and a critical approach to law is expected.
- Publish scientific articles related to the research project.
- Take on teaching support tasks, including providing legal skills training in the bachelor of laws programme.
- Carry out research support tasks and service duties (e.g., examination supervision, sitting on committees or councils) within the Faculty of Law and the Law and Development Research Group.
- Apply for (additional) research funding.

Requirements and Qualifications
- Hold a law degree, a master’s degree in law, or a master’s degree in social sciences (with demonstrated knowledge of and interest in human rights law). If the degree is not yet obtained, it must be obtained by the start of work.
- Submit a concise research proposal in English (2 pages) including: problem statement, central research question, methodology, and core bibliography. The proposal should allow for successful completion of the PhD in 4 years and pay attention to global justice and Global South dimensions.
- Demonstrate excellent study results, particularly in the broad area of human rights law, substantiated by a detailed overview of study results.
- Have an adequate command of English or Dutch to provide teaching support (fluency in complex academic subjects orally and in writing).
- Preferably master Dutch as a basic user. If not, arrangements must be made to acquire sufficient Dutch knowledge in the short term.
- Teaching competences in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
- Research qualities in line with faculty and university research policies.
- Ability to plan and organise own work well, taking priorities into account.
- Self-reliant and stress-resistant.
- Act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.
- Motivated to work actively on further professional development.
- Particular interest in scientific research in the field of human rights law and global justice, combining deep knowledge of human rights law with a research interest in the global (South) context.

What They Offer
- A doctoral scholarship for a period of two years, renewable once for another two-year period following a positive evaluation.
- Planned start date: 15 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
- Monthly scholarship amount calculated according to the pay scales for contract research staff (Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
- Access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
- Ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- Work location at the City Campus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
- Employment within a sustainable, family-friendly organisation that invests in employee growth, encourages diversity, and values an inclusive working environment.