Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20,000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6,000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.
The Faculty of Law is looking for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in the broad field of human rights law and global justice.
Position
- You work 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. Your doctoral thesis must be situated in the broad domain of human rights law and global justice. Engagement with one of the following research topics is strongly welcomed:
- 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. A critical approach to law is expected.
- You publish scientific articles related to the research project.
- You take on teaching support tasks and, among other things, provide legal skills training in the bachelor of laws programme.
- You 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.
Profile
- You hold a law degree, a master’s degree in law or in social sciences – in the latter case, with a demonstrated knowledge of and interest in human rights law (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work).
- You submit a concise research proposal in English for the research you will be developing (see above). This focused proposal of 2 pages includes the following headings: problem statement, central research question, methodology and core bibliography. You pay attention to global justice and Global South dimensions. The proposal should allow you to successfully complete the PhD in 4 years.
- The prior conditions are conditions of admissibility.
- You can demonstrate excellent study results, in particular in the broad area of human rights law. You substantiate this with a detailed overview of your study results (see 'Want to apply?').
- You have an adequate command of English or Dutch to be able to provide teaching (support). This means that one of these languages is either one of your higher education qualifications, or that you can express yourself fluently and spontaneously on complex (academic) subjects both orally and in writing. Preferably you master Dutch nonetheless (teaching and administrative language), at least as a basic user; you understand phrases and regularly occurring expressions and you can communicate in simple terms. If you do not yet master Dutch, you make arrangements in your goal-setting interview to acquire sufficient adequate knowledge (i.e. at least as a basic user) of Dutch in the short term. These agreements are evaluated as part of the evaluation with a view to renewal of your appointment.
- Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
- You are willing to apply for (additional) research funding.
- You are able to plan and organise your own work well (taking priorities into account).
- You are self-reliant and stress-resistant.
- You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
- You are motivated to work actively on your further professional development.
- You have a particular interest in scientific research in the field of human rights law and global justice.
- You combine a deep knowledge of the human rights law with a research interest in the global (South) context.
What we offer
- We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two-year period.
- The planned start date is 15 September 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for contract research staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
- As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
- You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- You will do most of your work at the City Campus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
- Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform until Thursday 25 June 2026 (CET). Applications submitted after this deadline will be declared inadmissible. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:
- a motivation letter
- a concise research proposal of 2 pages for the research you will be developing (see above)
- a detailed overview of your study grades
- your (academic) CV
- The selection committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure. Please make a note of the following date: Tuesday 7 July 2026 (interview).
- If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact prof. dr. Wouter Vandenhole ([email protected]).
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.
