The Utrecht Centre for Water, Oceans and Sustainability Law (UCWOSL) and the Netherlands Institute for the Law of the Sea (NILOS) at the Utrecht University School of Law are hiring a postdoctoral researcher in the fields of international shipping law and the international law relating to Antarctica.

The expertise of UCWOSL encompasses the fields of water law, oceans law, polar law, environmental law, climate law and sustainability law. In addition to research, UCWOSL staff are also engaged in teaching and training as well as consultancy and other legal assistance to states, intergovernmental organisations, national and international non-governmental organisations, companies and individuals. UCWOSL research and other activities relating to oceans and polar law are carried out within the framework of NILOS, which is a nationally and internationally renowned research institute, established in 1984.

The postdoc will participate in the interdisciplinary research project ANTARC-SHIP: Fostering environmental stewardship among Antarctic tourism governance actors and institutions. As part of work package 4, the postdoc will conduct research on the current and evolving regulation of environmental impacts and risks of Antarctic shipborne tourism at the national and intergovernmental level (in particular the Antarctic Treaty System and the International Maritime Organisation), with a particular emphasis on underwater noise generated by shipping.

Other tasks are:

• further developing the research project proposal of work package 4 of the ANTARC-SHIP project, in close cooperation with other NILOS staff and researchers involved in the ANTARC-SHIP project;
• actively engaging in interdisciplinary research and cooperation with other researchers and partners of the ANTARC-SHIP project, including through joint publications and jointly organized events;
• regularly presenting (intermediate) research results at (inter)national events, and publishing results in books, journals and/or other types of media (e.g. blogposts).

The ideal candidate:

• holds a doctorate (PhD) in international shipping law or the international law of the sea. Expertise in the international law relating to Antarctica and/or interdisciplinary research is an asset;
• has a strong affinity with the core theme of the research programme;
• is a team player with good communication skills;
• has an excellent command of English; a command of Dutch is an asset.

We offer a temporary position (0.9 FTE) for three years in an international working environment. The gross salary in the first year is €3,974 (scale 11 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year.

In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance is a faculty at the heart of society, with a strong focus on social issues. Our subjects of Law, Economics and Governance give us a strong mix of academic disciplines that complement and enhance each other. This is a unique combination and a mark of our faculty's strength. 

The School of Law has provided quality research and education for more than 350 years. Constant innovation has enabled the School to maintain its leading position. Top-ranking research is conducted in all important legal fields: private law, criminal law, constitutional and administrative law, EU law and public international law. Researchers collaborate intensively with foreign partners, mainly from the angle of European and comparative law. The School of Law also conducts contract research and consultancy for other organisations. The extensive educational programme is based on academic research conducted within the faculty of Law, Economics and Governance. Students are trained to be highly qualified, internationally-oriented lawyers on the basis of modern didactical principles.

The School of Law aspires to a diverse body of staff (and students) and it similarly strives to create and sustain a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Women and candidates with a minority background are encouraged to apply for this position. For information about the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy of the University see: https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/equality-diversity-inclusion.