PhD Position in Human Rights Law
Conduct doctoral research in human rights law at the Leuven Centre for Public Law, KU Leuven.
Best for:Best for law graduates with a strong interest in human rights and constitutional law, fluent in Dutch and English.
Overview
The Leuven Centre for Public Law at KU Leuven invites applications for a 100% PhD scholarship in Human Rights Law. The successful candidate will conduct independent doctoral research under supervision, aiming to complete and defend a PhD thesis within four years. In addition to dissertation work, the researcher will assist with academic activities, including project applications, conference organization, and limited educational support such as grading and thesis supervision. The department offers a collaborative, internationally connected research environment committed to societal impact and rigorous legal scholarship.
What you'll do
- Conduct original doctoral research leading to a completed PhD dissertation in Human Rights Law within a four-year timeframe
- Contribute to departmental scientific research efforts, including assisting with research grant applications
- Help organize academic conferences and scholarly events hosted by the research centre
- Provide limited support for educational activities, including supervising master theses and assisting with exam grading
Requirements
Degree required: Master of Law degree or equivalent qualification
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Good oral and written command of Dutch and English
Instruction: Dutch and English
- Demonstrated academic excellence and strong study results in prior legal education
- Special interest in human rights law and constitutional law
- Ability to critically analyze complex theoretical and legal texts
- Strong independent writing skills with a fluent academic style
- Capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively within an academic team
- Must hold a recognized Master of Law degree or equivalent
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-16 (Europe/Brussels)
Interested applicants should submit their application materials through the online recruitment portal by the specified deadline. For further inquiries regarding the position, prospective candidates may contact Professor Koen Lemmens via email.
- CV
- Master of Law degree transcripts
Contact
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