PhD Positions Faculty of Law Call Proposals

Welcome to Maastricht University
The world is changing rapidly – and so are we. At Maastricht University, your work makes a difference: whether you explore the future through research, inspire students in the classroom, or help build what makes our education and research possible.

In 2026, the Faculty of Law offers two fully funded, full-time PhD positions. Through this call for proposals, we invite talented, motivated researchers to submit an original and well‑founded research idea that aligns with the Faculty’s expertise and academic mission.

• Our goal: To support excellent, innovative legal research and strengthen the Faculty’s academic community by attracting new PhD researchers with original perspectives and a collaborative spirit.
• Your opportunity: This call for proposals consists of two phases. In the first phase, candidates submit a pre‑proposal, which will be evaluated by a faculty‑appointed selection committee. Selected candidates will then be invited to submit a full proposal and participate in an interview.

As a PhD researcher at Maastricht University, you will:

• develop and conduct your own research project, resulting in a PhD thesis (in English or Dutch)
• contribute to the Faculty’s vibrant international research community
• participate in the Maastricht Graduate School of Law, benefiting from supervision, training, and peer exchange
• dedicate at least 80% of your time to research and up to 20% to teaching or related activities

This is a unique opportunity to combine academic independence with professional growth in a supportive and interdisciplinary environment.

It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about your motivation, creativity, and potential. Do you recognise yourself in this?

• You hold (or are completing) a relevant Master’s degree, preferably with excellent grades.
• You have strong research and analytical skills, and can demonstrate writing ability (for example through your Master’s thesis or a publication).
• You have an original, well‑developed research idea and a clear motivation to pursue it at Maastricht University.
• You appreciate teamwork and are open to insights from different disciplines.
• You have an excellent command of English and/or Dutch, both written and spoken.

Each applicant must secure the commitment of a professor or associate professor at the Faculty of Law who will act as promotor. The promotor should provide a letter of commitment, confirming their willingness to supervise the project and the candidate. Each project should include at least one co‑promotor, preferably from within the Faculty.

Pre‑proposals are assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• clarity of the proposal;
• coherence of the proposal;
• relevance of the research project;
• motivation and adequacy of the candidate.

Additional criteria for the full proposal are:

• innovativeness of the proposal and potential contribution to the existing body of knowledge;
• methodological rigor, illustrated in the research design and methods proposed;
• match with the envisaged team of supervisors;
• feasibility (both in terms of research setup and budget).

At Maastricht University, you will work in an international, open, and inclusive environment. We offer:

• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
• A gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881, based on experience and according to the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO‑NU).
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year‑end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (full‑time), plus 4 additional days off and the option to accrue up to 12 extra days.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and hybrid working options.
• Freedom and support to shape your own research path.
• A strong academic community and access to professional development through the Maastricht Graduate School of Law.
• A good pension scheme (ABP), company fitness options, and an inspiring workplace in the heart of Europe.

The selection process has two stages:

• Pre‑proposal
  : Submit a Research pre‑proposal: A concise outline and description of your…