The Erasmus School of Law (ESL) at Erasmus University Rotterdam is inviting applications for a fully funded, four-year PhD position in Empirical Legal Research, focusing on the Rule of Law and Judicial Politics. The position is hosted by the Rotterdam Institute of Law and Economics (RILE), Department of Law & Business, and is part of the European Doctorate in Law and Economics (EDLE) programme, a joint doctoral initiative with the Universities of Bologna, Hamburg, and Rennes. The research will address pressing challenges in democratic societies, such as judicial independence, public trust in courts, judicial decision making, and court-curbing, using empirical and potentially quantitative methods.

Supervision will be provided by Prof. Louis Visscher and Dr. Aylin Aydin-Çakır. The PhD researcher will benefit from a mandatory mobility period in the first year, including research stays in Bologna and Hamburg, fostering international academic collaboration. The position offers a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881, 29 days of paid leave, holiday and end-of-year bonuses, pension contributions, and additional benefits such as work-from-home options, sports centre discounts, and parental leave. The start date is 1 October 2026.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in Law, Law & Economics, Political Science, or a related field, with a strong academic background and research interest in legal studies. Knowledge of empirical methods is required, and experience with quantitative methods is advantageous. Excellent English language skills are essential. Current master students may apply but must provide proof of degree before the contract starts. The application deadline is 15 February 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the Erasmus University portal or contact [email protected] or [email protected].