PhD position in Rights-Based Climate Litigation and Legal Temporality (TEMPORALAW Project) Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium

The TEMPORALAW project at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) offers a unique PhD opportunity within the Faculty of Law and Criminology, focusing on rights-based climate litigation and the legal concept of temporality. The project investigates how domestic and international climate cases, especially those based on human and constitutional rights, engage with the factor of time. Led by Professor Corina Heri, TEMPORALAW brings together critical, comparative, and socio-legal approaches to examine temporal assumptions in human rights law and adjacent legal fields, with a particular emphasis on climate-related engagement by major international courts.

Over five years (2026–2031), the project aims to make explicit the temporal limitations in current legal frameworks and propose alternative concepts and argumentation strategies. The research team, affiliated with both the Faculty of Law and Criminology and the Department of Water and Climate (HYDR), is well-positioned to generate science-informed legal insights. Two PhD researchers will focus on distinct aspects: one on 'the past' in rights-based climate litigation (examining legal implications of past actions, decisions, and inequities), and the other on 'the future' (adjudicating future risks and guaranteeing rights for present and future generations).

As a PhD team member, you will collaborate in developing the project’s conceptual framework, contribute to publications and project activities, conduct independent research (monograph or article-based PhD), co-supervise a legal clinic group of MA students in later years, and participate in academic life at VUB. The position is based at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene).

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in law (preferably human rights law, public international law, climate law, or related fields) and possess strong English-language skills. Experience with socio-legal theory and methods is an asset. Candidates should be open to both team-based and independent research. Non-EEA nationals must meet permit and residence requirements. VUB values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants regardless of background.

The offer includes a full-time PhD scholarship for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months upon positive evaluation. The grant is linked to government scales, and additional benefits include telework allowance, cost-free hospitalisation insurance, full reimbursement of public transport commute, affordable campus meals, sports facilities, nursery discounts, and access to learning platforms. The planned starting date is 01/09/2026.

To apply, submit your application by 29/05/2026 via jobs.vub.be, uploading a single PDF file with 'TEMPORALAW PhD application' in the subject. The file should include a motivation letter (max. 1 page, indicating your preferred PhD topic), CV (with two referees and Master thesis title), and Master diploma or latest transcript (not required for VUB alumni). The selection process involves application review and interviews in June. For questions about the job content, contact Professor Corina Heri at [email protected].

For more information about VUB and its role in the EUTOPIA alliance, visit jobs.vub.be and eutopia-university.eu.