PhD Position in Roman Law and Legal History at KU Leuven

The Research Unit Roman Law and Legal History at KU Leuven offers a fully funded PhD position (100%) for candidates interested in pursuing advanced research in Roman law and legal history. The unit is internationally oriented and provides broad education and research opportunities in various subfields of legal history, with a particular focus on the period after 1500. The team consists of four professors and five to ten scientific employees, fostering a dynamic and collaborative academic environment. As a PhD student, you will develop your own research project in consultation with the unit's professors, focusing on a theme within Roman law or legal history that aligns with their expertise. The research covers three main areas: the intellectual development of the continental legal tradition (with emphasis on Roman and canon law), the historical development of international law (including colonisation and imperialism), and the historical development of economic and financial law. You will have opportunities to present your work at national and international conferences and contribute to scientific publications. The unit is responsible for teaching foundational courses such as History of Public Law, Roman Law, and History of Private Law at the undergraduate level, as well as advanced courses like Legal History, History of International Law, and European Legal History at the master's level. PhD students are expected to support research and educational tasks, gaining comprehensive experience in academic life. Applicants must hold (or expect to obtain by September 2026) a master's degree in Law, or a master's in History or Latin Linguistics with a demonstrable interest in legal history. Strong academic performance (at least one distinction), excellent command of English and Dutch, and knowledge of other relevant languages are required. Candidates should be able to work independently and in teams, handle deadlines, and possess strong communication skills. The application must include a CV, a draft project proposal (ca. 2 pages), two references, and a motivation letter. The position is offered as a PhD scholarship holder (100%) for an initial period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension up to 4 years based on satisfactory progress. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, providing a respectful and supportive environment for all researchers. For further information, contact Prof. dr. Inge Van Hulle ([email protected]) or Prof. dr. Wouter Druwé ([email protected]). Application deadline is March 19, 2026. Apply online via the KU Leuven jobsite.