Wouter Vandenhole

University of Antwerp is advertising a PhD / doctoral scholarship in the broad field of human rights law and global justice within the Law and Development Research Group . The project is supervised by Professor Wouter Vandenhole and is especially open to research on universities as human rights duty-bearers , new human rights duty-bearers , children’s rights , and equality and non-discrimination . A socio-legal methodology , an interdisciplinary approach , and a critical approach to law are strongly encouraged. The role includes doctoral research, publication of scientific articles, teaching support, legal skills training, and research/service duties within the Faculty of Law and the research group. Eligibility: applicants should hold a law degree or a master’s degree in law or social sciences, with demonstrated knowledge of and interest in human rights law. A concise 2-page research proposal in English is required, including a problem statement, central research question, methodology, and core bibliography. The proposal should engage with global justice and Global South dimensions and be feasible for completion within 4 years . Strong academic results in human rights law are expected, and candidates must have adequate English or Dutch for teaching support; Dutch is preferred and should be acquired to at least basic user level if not already mastered. Funding: the scholarship is offered for 2 years initially and may be renewed once for another 2 years after positive evaluation. The scholarship follows the University of Antwerp BAP doctoral scholarship scales and includes additional benefits such as ecocheques, internet allowance, and commuting support. Deadline: apply by 25 June 2026 (CET). The planned start date is 15 September 2026 or soon after. Applications must be submitted via the university’s online platform with a motivation letter, research proposal, study grades overview, and CV.

The University of Antwerp invites applications for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in the broad field of human rights law and global justice. As a dynamic and forward-thinking European university, Antwerp offers innovative academic education to over 20,000 students and conducts pioneering scientific research. The Faculty of Law seeks a motivated candidate to join the Law and Development Research Group, working under the supervision of Professor Wouter Vandenhole. The doctoral thesis should be situated within human rights law and global justice, with engagement in topics such as universities as human rights duty-bearers, new human rights duty-bearers, children’s rights, equality, and non-discrimination. Socio-legal methodology and interdisciplinary approaches are strongly encouraged, and a critical perspective on law is expected. The position includes publishing scientific articles, providing legal skills training in the bachelor of laws programme, and supporting teaching and research tasks within the Faculty of Law. Applicants must hold a law degree, a master’s in law, or a master’s in social sciences with demonstrated knowledge and interest in human rights law. A concise research proposal in English (2 pages) is required, covering problem statement, central research question, methodology, and core bibliography, with attention to global justice and Global South dimensions. Excellent study results in human rights law must be demonstrated, and proficiency in English or Dutch is required for teaching support. Dutch proficiency is preferred; if not already mastered, arrangements must be made to acquire basic Dutch. Teaching and research competences should align with university policies, and candidates must be self-reliant, stress-resistant, and motivated for professional development. The scholarship is offered for two years, with the possibility of renewal for another two years following a positive evaluation. The planned start date is 15 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to pay scales for contract research staff. Additional benefits include ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting, and access to a wide range of courses and educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School. The position is based at the City Campus in a stimulating working environment. Applications must be submitted online via the University of Antwerp’s job application platform by 25 June 2026. Required attachments include a motivation letter, concise research proposal, detailed study grades, and academic CV. Late applications will not be considered. The selection committee will review applications promptly after the deadline, and interviews are scheduled for 7 July 2026. For questions about the application process, contact [email protected]; for job-specific inquiries, contact Professor Wouter Vandenhole at [email protected]. The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The institution has received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award and offers a family-friendly, sustainable environment that invests in employee growth.