Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship opportunities are now available at the Erasmus School of Law, Erasmus University Rotterdam, offering a fully structured four-year doctoral position focused on the Rule of Law and Judicial Politics. This research-driven fellowship explores pressing democratic challenges, including judicial independence, court performance, and public trust in legal institutions through rigorous empirical analysis.
This PhD fellowship is open to highly motivated candidates holding, or close to completing, a master’s degree in Law, Law & Economics, Political Science, or a closely related field. Ideal applicants will demonstrate strong academic potential, a clear interest in legal and judicial studies, and familiarity with empirical research methods, with quantitative skills considered a valuable asset.
Benefits of Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship
- Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 (full-time, P-scale, 4 years)
- 29 days of paid leave (38-hour contract)
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- Structured supervision by experienced academic staff
- Access to professional development funding and career support
- Excellent pension scheme and family-friendly policies
- Inclusive, international, and research-intensive working environment
Eligibility for the Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship
- Eligible Countries: All countries (international applicants are welcome).
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in any subject offered by the university that is relevant to the PhD project, including:
- Law
- Law & Economics
- Political Science
- Related interdisciplinary fields
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree in Law, Law & Economics, Political Science, or a closely related discipline
- Demonstrate a strong academic background or research interest in legal studies, judicial politics, or rule of law research
- Have knowledge of empirical research methods (quantitative methods are an advantage)
- Possess excellent written and spoken English skills
- Be willing to participate in mandatory international mobility within the EDLE programme
How to Apply for the Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship?
- Prepare all required application documents in English
- Apply online via the Erasmus University Rotterdam portal
- Submit your application through the official vacancy page
- Follow the EDLE application procedure and document requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This four-year Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship focuses on the empirical study of judicial politics and rule of law challenges in democratic societies. It’s part of the EDLE programme with mobility, offers structured supervision, competitive salary and benefits, and requires a relevant master’s degree.
What is the Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship?
This Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship offers a full-time doctoral position focused on rule of law and judicial politics. The project emphasizes empirical methods, close supervision, and structured training within a supportive academic environment at a leading European law school.
Who is this PhD fellowship designed for?
The Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship is designed for motivated graduates with a strong interest in empirical approaches to law. Candidates are expected to contribute to research on courts, judges, and institutions while developing advanced research skills during the doctoral track.
What academic background is required to apply?
Applicants to the Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship should hold a relevant master’s degree and demonstrate clear research interests in empirical legal studies. Strong analytical ability, academic writing skills, and proficiency in English are essential for successful participation.
What does the PhD position involve?
The Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship involves conducting independent research under supervision while engaging in training activities. Fellows are part of an academic team, attend seminars, and work toward completing a doctoral dissertation within the formal PhD framework.
What research areas does the fellowship focus on?
Research within the Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship focuses on judicial politics and the rule of law using empirical methods. The position encourages innovative research questions, data-driven analysis, and engagement with contemporary debates in legal and political studies.
Where is the PhD fellowship hosted?
The Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship is hosted at a research-intensive university environment. Doctoral candidates work on campus, collaborate with scholars, and benefit from institutional support, academic facilities, and an international research culture that supports collaboration.
What kind of supervision do PhD candidates receive?
During the Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship, candidates receive structured supervision and mentoring. Regular feedback, progress evaluations, and academic guidance help ensure steady development toward completing a high-quality doctoral dissertation within the programme setting.
What are the employment conditions for fellows?
Employment conditions under the Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship follow standard academic employment terms. Fellows receive a salary, social benefits, and formal employee status while being enrolled as PhD candidates for the full appointment period at the institution concerned.
How does the application process work?
The application process for the Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship requires submitting academic documents and a motivation outlining research interests. Applications are reviewed competitively, focusing on academic quality, research fit, and clear potential for doctoral success.
What career benefits does this PhD offer?
The Empirical Legal Research PhD Fellowship provides an opportunity to build an academic career in empirical legal studies. Graduates gain research experience, methodological expertise, and professional skills relevant for careers in academia, policy, or research institutions worldwide.
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