Call for Applications: for the post of two PhD Researchers for RIGHTS-TO-UNITE project, Apply Now

Call for Applications: for the post of two PhD Researchers for RIGHTS-TO-UNITE project, Apply Now

The RIGHTS-TO-UNITE project recruits two PhD researchers, each to start in September 2025, on a tax-free stipend of 25000 annually plus additional funding for conference participation and qualitative research. Apply until 27 March 2025 5 pm Irish time.

Our PhD Researchers

PhD researchers are at the heart of the RIGHTS TO UNITE project – overall there are six PhD researchers, two postdoctoral researchers, one project manager, and one additional research assistant for one year, during the height of qualitative work. PhD researchers are required to travel for conducting library based and qualitative research in their “target country”.  Please email us under [email protected] if you have any questions on the application process. We are happy to discuss your early drafts for your research proposal.

REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants should hold a master’s degree, or an equivalent degree, in law, political science, sociology or other disciplines related to the study of European integration. Applicants without such degree but displaying alternative qualifications and verifiable academic excellence can be considered in exceptional circumstances. Students should have been awarded their degree and be able to provide proof by September 2025, or any earlier starting date.

RIGHTS TO UNITE is especially looking for PhD researchers sufficiently familiar with the language and culture of the target countries for this call: Sweden or Norway.

PhD candidates with Swedish and Norwegian language capabilities are highly desirable. Candidates without prior knowledge but with a demonstrated ability and willingness to learn these languages are also encouraged to apply.

We advertise one PhD researcher stipend for each of these. Please state clearly in your application for which language and culture you qualify. Prior experience in sociological or socio-legal methods is not essential but may be an advantage. UCD is committed to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly regardless of gender, age, race, disability, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, family status, or membership of the travelling community.

How to apply:

Please complete an on-line University Graduate application available here by the deadline. You can apply for the PhD in Law (B142) or the PhD in European Law and Governance (B144), to start in September 2025. The online system does not accept more than 40 words in any of the boxes. If you need more, attach a word file instead. Please also send a cover letter highlighting your language skills relevant for the project and explaining why you wish to undertake a PhD, and in particular, why you wish to undertake a PhD as part of this project at the UCD School of Law. This letter should be no more than 2 sides of A4 single-spaced and can be sent to [email protected]

In addition to the cover letter, you must submit the following documents:

1. A research proposal: Max 1 page explaining the thesis and how it fits within RIGHTS TO UNITE
2. A sample of your academic writing in English (usually about 4-5.000 words, with an absolute maximum of 10.000 words)
3. Two academic references: Please note that it is your responsibility to contact your referees to ensure that references are received before the closing date/time for this scholarship.
4. All academic transcripts [preferably in English, translations are permissible]
5. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit satisfactory evidence of competence in written and spoken English, i.e. overall IELTS 7.5 (including a minimum of 7 in all bands) or a score of 109 overall in the TOEFL iBT, 27/30 in reading and writing and 23/30 in speaking and listening. The test results must be less than 2 years old. No test is required if you have studied one of your degrees through English.

For more details, refer here