Doctoral researcher (PhD) in Law

The Department of Law of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance of the University of Luxembourg is looking for a PhD candidate to conduct research in Public Law, in the context of the Doctoral Training Unit on DIgitaLisation Law And INnovation  (DTU DILLAN). 

The doctoral researcher will be working under the supervision of Professor Joana Mendes. The doctoral researcher’s main task will be to prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of digitalization and European public law, with a particular focus on Administrative Law.

The thesis work will be undertaken at the University of Luxembourg but can also be jointly-supervised with another university. The suggested field of the PhD is the impact of digitalization in administrative discretion and decision-making, and the PhD should ideally dwell on foundational aspects of public law in relation to digitalisation. The candidate is, however, welcome to suggest any other topic within the overarching project theme. The doctoral candidate will contribute to the teaching of classes ranging from one to three hours per week, of small group teachings and tutorials.

The doctoral researcher will benefit from being part of large research group comprising several PhDs and Postdoctoral Researchers working on related topics of digitalization and public law. Being part of the project will allow the doctoral researcher to enhance his/her knowledge-base and experience; working on the various aspects of the project will not only strengthen his/her academic profile, but also give him/her access to (and the chance to critically engage with) some of the most renowned experts in the field.

We are looking for a candidate with demonstrated interest in academic research. In particular, the following requirements apply:

• A Master’s Degree in Law
• The PhD candidate should have a strong background in European and/or public law
• Have the linguistic skills to evolve in a multilingual environment: fluency in either English or French, good understanding of the second language and possibly a third language, German in particular, will be considered an advantage
• Excellent communication and writing skills

• Contract Type: 36 months Fixed Term Contract, extendable to 48 months if required
• Work Hours: Full-time position, 40h/week. 
• Location: Kirchberg, Luxembourg
• Employee and student status
• Job Reference: UOL04719

In particular, we offer:

• An exciting international and multilingual research environment and the possibility to work within a research team focused on enforcement in multi-level regulatory systems
• Personal workspace (full-time contract requires the doctoral candidate to work at the University premises)
• Travel opportunities for training and learning.
• The University offers highly competitive salaries based on the candidate's experience and is an equal opportunity employer

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system and include:

• A motivation letter
• A detailed curriculum vitae with list of publications and copies thereof, if applicable
• A transcript of concluded university studies (to the extent possible, please include official details of class rank)
• The name, current position and relationship to the applicant, of one referee
• A research proposal linked to the topic(s) advertised (2000 words-long, containing an explanation of the topic, its scientific background and why the applicant considers it to be important; a research question and the specific aim of the research proposal; methodology; timeline for completion, and a short bibliography)

For more information concerning this position, please contact Prof. Joana Mendes, email: [email protected]

To ensure full consideration, candidates should apply by 15/03/2022.

Applications by email will not be considered. The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

The Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance offers three Bachelor programmes, four Master programmes of Management and Economics and six Masters of Laws (LL.M.), as well as several continuing education courses. It also includes the Doctoral School in Law and the Doctoral School in Economics and Finance. Around 2,500 students from 90 different nationalities are enrolled at the Faculty. Academic staff from 18 different nationalities teach at the Faculty, supported by practitioners from the field, visiting scholars and guest professors. Rooted in Luxembourg but with a European and international outlook, the Faculty counts three departments:

• Department of Law
• Department of Economics and Management (DEM)
• Department of Finance

Teaching and research benefit from the proximity of the European institutions, Luxembourg’s world-class financial centre ranked second in the world in investment fund asset domicile, and its vibrant business community. Institutional and private sector partnerships, sponsored Chairs, and a growing network of international partner universities make the FDEF a vibrant academic hub within the University at the heart of Europe.