Maastricht University seeks candidates for a fully-funded PhD Lecturer position to conduct innovative research exploring the interplay between jus ad bellum and jus in bello.
We invite prospective researchers to apply for a six-year PhD-Lecturer position focusing on the dynamic interplay between jus ad bellum and jus in bello. As international law evolves, it experiences fragmentation and increased interactions among its subfields, particularly in armed conflict contexts. Here, legal perspectives on the implications of jus ad bellum violations in relation to humanitarian and human rights law, and likewise, the impact of these fields of law on jus ad bellum, are undergoing significant recalibration. Furthermore, the expanding role of international (quasi-)judicial bodies in assessing these issues, against a backdrop of diverse norms and treaties, is reshaping how conflicts, obligations, and rights are identified, characterized, and adjudicated. Against this backdrop, there is a need for new investigations into how the sub-fields of international law, traditionally analyzed in isolation during international armed conflict, are interrelating and influencing each other.

Applicants should develop their own research proposal focusing on situations where the normative interplay between jus ad bellum and jus in bello presents theoretical challenges in determining the applicable law. Other fields, such as international human rights law and international criminal law, may also be incorporated. Your first supervisor will be Prof. Dr. Jure Vidmar, Professor of Public International Law. Joint co-supervisors are Dr. Alexandre Skander Galand and Dr. Laura Visser. Dr. Alexandre Skander Galand and Dr. Laura Visser, both Assistant Professors of International Law and recipients of starter grants for their respective research projects, ‘The Shifting Paradigms of International Law through Adjudication and Normative Interplay’ and ‘Never the twain shall meet? At the crossroad of jus ad bellum and jus in bello’.

As a PhD Lecturer, you will:

• Share your time evenly between teaching (50%) and research (50%).
• Conduct scientific research on the interplay between jus ad bellum and jus in bello.
• Complete your PhD dissertation within the allotted 6-year timeframe.
• Work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues and research teams.
• Join the Maastricht University Graduate School of Law.
• Join the Department of International Law, teach a variety of courses offered by this department, and take on other educational tasks such as supervising student essays and overseeing internships.
• Obtain your University Teaching Qualification (UTQ).

Requirements

We seek innovative and motivated candidates to propose their own research ideas, focusing on themes that delve into, challenge, and potentially redefine the established relationship between these areas of international law.

We are welcoming candidates who:

• Hold a master’s degree with a strong international law component. Final-year (master’s) students are also welcome to apply, provided they have proven research skills.
• Possess a strong affinity with research.
• Are motivated and creative.
• Possess effective and clear writing skills, demonstrated, for example, by the quality of their master’s thesis.
• Are able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills.
• Have excellent written and oral command of English, proven by a TOEFL or IELTS test, or a previous degree where the language of instruction was English.
• Are able to teach bachelor courses. Ability to teach human rights law/in Dutch may be an advantage.

What we offer
As PhD-Lecturer position on the interaction between jus ad bellum and jus in bello at Faculty of Law, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 10 according to UFO profile Docent-Promovendus, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3226,00 and €5090,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 5 years will follow.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as ‘acknowledge and appreciate’.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM.

Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law at Maastricht University is a top-quality provider of challenging and rewarding Dutch and European legal education at bachelor’s, masters and PhD-level. A true pioneer in small-scale education and the teaching of legal skills for a broad range of future legal professionals.
The clear research focus on European and international aspects of law and technology. On the empirical dimension of law provides both students and staff with a stimulating work environment. The faculty values its open and inclusive community, which contributes to creating a productive and pleasant place for work and study.

The Faculty of Law offers a wide range of bachelor and master’s programs. Would you like to learn more about our programs? Visit our website for more information on the courses, career perspectives, and admission requirements of our programs.

 
Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact dr. Laura Visser at [email protected] for more information. Do you have any questions regarding the procedure, please contact Lisa Turcotte (Recruiter) at [email protected].

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD-Lecturer position on the interaction between jus ad bellum and jus in bello? Apply now, no later than 4 August 2024, for this position.

To apply, please submit the following documents:

• A detailed research proposal, using the application form here;
• A detailed CV, including, if applicable, relevant publications;
• Academic transcript of bachelor’s and master’s degrees and marks list;
• A motivation letter;
• Master’s thesis or, if not available, another substantial piece of work.

The interviews will preferably take place online during the week of 19-23 August 2024. If needed, there will be a second round of interviews, ideally on site, in early or mid-September 2024.

For more details, refer here