Erasmus School of Law at Erasmus University Rotterdam is appointing a PhD researcher in international law to work on a project entitled “Regulatory Depoliticization: International Economic Law, Social Inclusion & Human Rights”. The PhD position is part of the wider research project Depoliticization and the Public Interest, hosted by the Erasmus Institute for Public Knowledge (EIPK). The EIPK solidifies interdisciplinary collaboration between young academics from four EUR Faculties, and specifically within these from the Departments of Sociology and of History, the Faculty of Philosophy, Erasmus School of Law and Erasmus University College.

The research project focuses on processes of depoliticisation in global and transnational regulatory infrastructures. It does so by mapping the sites of technocratic governance and depoliticization embedded in existing global economic regimes (e.g. international trade and investment regimes and so-called ‘megaregionals’) and, contextually, by identifying existing and potential space for repoliticization. This project aims at better understanding what are the sites and legal techniques through which this process is realized and what are the interests privileged and those marginalized. At the same time, the project aims at studying the space for repoliticization of public issues. In that regard, the value and potential of participatory rights are investigated among other avenues for repoliticization or (re-)juridification. Included in the objectives of this project is to formulate novel approaches to public participation that exploit those same technological and regulatory infrastructures that foreclose traditional forms of public participation, and to reflect on the legal basis of such remedies from an international law perspective.

The position will be for 3 years, starting (in principle) 1 September 2019.

The PhD researcher will be part of the Erasmus Graduate School of Law, by which he/she will be supported with regard to conducting research and improving his/her research skills. Participation in the educational program of EGSL will be part of the PhD researcher’s activities. During the first phase, EGSL offers an educational program. In addition, the PhD researcher may partake in extra-curricular courses specifically focused on his/her own research topic. During the second phase, the PhD researcher will focus on conducting research, as well as concluding the dissertation. During both the first- and second phase, the PhD researcher will be structurally supported by supervisors. At specific moments during the trajectory, progress reviews will take place in the presence of a doctorate committee.

We are looking for a candidate who has:

• a Master degree in (international) law and, preferably, knowledge in the area of the project (or proof of being able to obtain the Master degree by the starting date of the contract)
• the skills to research processes of depoliticisation in regulatory infrastructures and their human rights implications;
• fluency in both spoken and written English;
• ambition, energy, and flexibility;
• ability to produce work of excellent quality;
• a keen interest – and possibly experience – in multidisciplinary social science research on private law, regulation and governance, and/or the behavioral study of law.

The initial contract will be for one year (1.0 fte). If you have given sufficient proof of your abilities, the temporary contract will be renewed for a further two years. The salary is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO NU). For a full-time appointment, the salary is € 2,325 gross per month during the first year, which will increase annually up to € 2,835 gross per month in the third year.

In addition, the attractive employment package includes an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, generous leave provisions for a healthy work-life balance, a good pension scheme, excellent options for collective insurance, and a provision for the use of the Internet at home. The employee may also use a number of campus facilities, such as sports facilities and the library.

EUR offers a Dual Career Programme to partners and spouses of new international employees at EUR. This programme is executed in close cooperation with nearby universities of Leiden and Delft. It aims to facilitate partners and spouses in their search for a job on the Dutch labour market. See www.eur.nl/en/working/international-staff-eur/family/work-partners

An assessment will form part of the selection procedure.

Erasmus University Rotterdam

The Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), named after Rotterdam-born humanist and theologian Erasmus, is a research university with a strong international orientation and a pronounced social focus, both in its education and research activities. On the lively, modern campus, more than 28.000 students and scholars of more than 100 nationalities are constantly encouraged to develop their talents and meet their ambition. Our more than 2700 scientists and employees work together with all our students to solve challenges faced by global society, drawing their inspiration from the consistently dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam. The academic education offered at our faculties is intensive, engaging and strongly focused on practical application. We increasingly perform our research in multidisciplinary teams, which are closely interwoven with international networks. In terms of research impact and the quality of its degree programmes, EUR can compete with the foremost universities in Europe, which is reflected in its consistent top-100 position in most major universities rankings. Erasmus University Rotterdam’s key values are daring, curiosity, social involvement, breaking new ground and striving for success http://www.eur.nl

Erasmus School of Law (ESL) employs 490 members of staff and is attended by around 5000 students. ESL offers bachelor programmes in Law, Tax Law and Criminology, with a focus on active academic learning. Students can subsequently choose from a wide variety of master programmes. ESL also collaborates in Double Degree programmes combining law and (business) economics or law and business administration and is one of the founders of the European Master in Law & Economics. Once students have completed their master’s degree, they may choose from several postgraduate tracks provided by Erasmus School of Law (in collaboration with Erasmus Academy and others).

The fundamental premise underlying academic research conducted at Erasmus School of Law is that law cannot be considered in splendid isolation or as an end in itself. It is embedded in an economic and social context that shapes law. At the same time, law itself shapes society and defines economic relationships. In line with this vision, our mission is to conduct innovative research on the function of law in its economic and social context. This research has a strong social and business-driven orientation. Erasmus School of Law is committed to promoting international and interdisciplinary research, as shown by its participation in several international research collaborations. The PhD programmes at Erasmus School of Law are also firmly embedded in international networks. Erasmus Graduate School of Law is part of the Association of Transnational Law School (ATLAS), which aims to bring together talented doctoral students in the field of law. Erasmus School of Law is also part of the prestigious European Doctorate in Law and Economics Programme (EDLE) as well as the Marie Curie European Training Network on EU Trade and Investment Policy (EUTIP).

http://www.esl.eur.nl/