KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk offers a unique opportunity for a PhD position in Legal Methodology, focusing on private or economic law. The Faculty of Law and Criminological Sciences at the Kulak campus is renowned for its research in various areas of law, with particular emphasis on private law, economic law, and sustainability. As a doctoral fellow, you will join a vibrant academic community consisting of six professors and around twenty staff members, contributing to both research and teaching activities. The main project involves writing a doctoral thesis under the supervision of Professor Bernard Tilleman, a leading expert in the field. You will be part of the Centre for Legal Methodology, engaging in research that advances the understanding of legal processes and frameworks. In addition to your research, you will supervise teaching and tutorials, particularly for the Legal Methodology course, gaining valuable experience in academic instruction and mentorship. KU Leuven is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment. Diversity is embraced as an asset, and open dialogue is encouraged to create an ambitious research and educational atmosphere. The university actively works to address historical inequalities and does not tolerate discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, skin colour, religious or philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. The position is funded, with an initial one-year appointment as a doctoral fellow, renewable up to a total of four years. The planned start date is 1 September 2026. Applicants must hold a master's degree in law with very good academic results and demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills. The ideal candidate is collegial, able to work well in a team, and also capable of working independently and systematically. To apply, submit your application online via the KU Leuven jobsite. For further information, you may contact Professor Bernard Tilleman at [email protected]. If you experience any issues with the online application process, assistance is available at [email protected]. The application deadline is 26 March 2026. KU Leuven welcomes inquiries regarding accessibility and support for applicants.

The Centre for Methodology of Law at KU Leuven is offering two full-time PhD positions in economic law. The Centre is renowned for its research and education in legal science, legal methodology, and contract law, and is part of the Faculty of Law at KU Leuven. The academic staff conducts research in private economic law, focusing on three main lines: general legal theory, cross-disciplinary legal topics, and functional branches of law such as transport, art, travel, and sports law. Research at the Centre includes the study of general principles and concepts underpinning positive law, the application of law in time and space, interpretation of legislation and legal acts, and the statute of limitations. Cross-disciplinary research addresses legal topics at the intersection of different branches of law, aiming to enhance coherence and legal certainty, with a particular focus on freedom of contract in company and insolvency law. Functional research explores contract law within specific economic sectors, contributing to the development of specialized legal fields. Successful candidates will prepare a PhD thesis on private economic law, conduct independent and collaborative research within the Centre's projects at the Kortrijk and Leuven campuses, and provide limited teaching support for seminars on legal methodology. The Centre has a strong track record of competitive research mandates from FWO, IWT, and BAEF, and several doctoral theses have been defended in recent years. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in law or an equivalent legal qualification with good to very good academic results. Experience is an advantage, and candidates must be able to join an existing research group and complete a PhD within four years. Fluency in Dutch is essential due to educational tasks involving coaching students in legal writing. The positions offer full-time employment for at least one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years. KU Leuven provides a supportive, inclusive, and diverse academic environment, and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. For further information, contact Prof. dr. Bernard Tilleman at [email protected]. Application is via the KU Leuven jobsite, and assistance is available at [email protected]. Application deadline is March 19, 2026. Interested candidates should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and follow the application instructions provided.

The Centre for Legal Methodology at KU Leuven is offering a full-time PhD position in Civil Law, focusing on comparative law research within functional areas of law. The Centre is renowned for its teaching in Introduction to Legal Studies, Legal Methodology, and Comparative Law, and its research activities span private economic law in the broadest sense. Key research areas include the scientific development of functional branches of law, such as cultural heritage law, travel law, transport law, and sports law, approached from both legal and comparative perspectives. The successful candidate will prepare a doctoral thesis in a functional area of law, conduct independent academic research, and participate in publication projects. Limited teaching support is expected for seminars on Legal Methodology (Brussels Campus) and Comparative Law (Leuven Campus). The position is embedded in a vibrant research environment with a history of securing competitive research mandates from FWO, IWT, and BAEF. Applicants must possess a master's degree in law or an equivalent legal qualification, with strong academic results. The ability to integrate into an existing research group and complete a PhD within four years is essential. Prior academic or relevant experience is advantageous. The position offers full-time employment for at least one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years, subject to performance and funding availability. KU Leuven is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment, embracing diversity and equal opportunity. The university does not tolerate discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious or philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For further information, prospective applicants may contact Prof. dr. Bert Demarsin or Prof. dr. Bernard Tilleman via email. Applications should be submitted electronically through the KU Leuven jobsite. Support is available for accessibility or application issues.

The Institute for Contract Law at KU Leuven, under the direction of Prof. Dr. Bernard Tilleman and Prof. Dr. Alain-Laurent Verbeke, is offering a full-time PhD position in Contract Law. The Institute is part of the Private Law Research Unit and is renowned for its research and education in Special Contracts (such as purchase, lease, assumption, mandate) and in negotiation and mediation. It collaborates closely with the Centre for Legal Methodology, KULAK, LINC (Criminology), and the Leuven Center for Collaborative Management (LCM) at the Faculty of Psychology, providing a multidisciplinary environment for research and teaching. As a PhD candidate, you will conduct original scientific research in Contract Law, participate in Institute projects, and provide limited teaching support, including practical exercises, seminars, and supervision of papers and master's theses. The position offers a one-year contract starting September 1, 2026, with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of four years. Applicants must hold a master's degree in law with good to excellent academic results. Experience in academia or related fields is recommended, and candidates should be able to integrate into the research group. Due to the teaching component, proficiency in Dutch is required. KU Leuven is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment, embracing diversity and equal opportunity. The Institute values open dialogue and differences in perspective as essential for ambitious research and education. For more information, contact Prof. Dr. Bernard Tilleman ([email protected]) or Prof. Dr. Alain-Laurent Verbeke ([email protected]). If you experience issues with the online application tool, email [email protected]. The application deadline is March 19, 2026. Apply via the KU Leuven jobsite link provided.