Maastricht University invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on applying empirical legal research to obtain more insights into enhancing self-representation.

Job Description
The law affects us all, but technology is not equally available for everyone. In practice, technology often benefits the wealthy the most. As a result, individuals often assume self-representation roles in a potential or actual legal dispute. Individuals who struggle financially are at a significant disadvantage and more vulnerable to exploitation as they frequently contend with formidable entities characterized by size, financial affluence, and recurrent engagement in legal proceedings. This research uses qualitative research methods to develop AI that aims to enhance individuals’ knowledge and understanding of the law.

Your work is expected to have a tangible real-world impact. The ability to find innovative solutions to legal challenges could become a key skill of your future career, be it as a researcher, entrepreneur, or engineer.

You will undertake PhD research at the intersection of law and empirical research. Your primary task is conducting the research for your PhD project. A small proportion of the appointment may be devoted to teaching activities, which commonly amount to teaching activities in eight weeks per year.

You will be allowed to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines, including law, empirical research, and data science. You will be part of an exciting, vibrant, and quickly growing community where researchers from different disciplines meet and form interdisciplinary teams that conduct academically and societally relevant research. You will be encouraged, coached, and allowed to attend courses, conferences, and workshops that will add social and legal knowledge to your skill set. PhD researchers participate in the Maastricht University Graduate School of Law.

Requirements

• LLM in Law (graduation at the start of the position is required).
• Proven experience with empirical research is a plus.
• Interest in learning about other disciplines.
• Community-friendly team player.
• Excellent oral and written English communication. Knowledge of Dutch is a plus.
• Optional: geek-friendly.

What we offer
As PhD candidate on ‘Enhancing Legal Self-Representation’ 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 P according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2872,00 and €3670,00 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 3 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 faculty has a clear research focus on the European and international aspects of law and technology, as well as on the empirical dimension of law. This focus 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 professor Gijs van Dijck at [email protected] / +31433881396 for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate on ‘Enhancing Legal Self-Representation’? Apply now, no later than August 31, 2024 for this position.

The interviews will be held in September 2024. The intended start date is between 1 October and 1 December 2024.

Applications should include:

• a letter of motivation
• a curriculum vitae
• representative work (e.g. a master thesis).

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

For more details, refer here