Within the framework of the national sectoral plan for legal science, Erasmus School of Law is launching a new research center with a dual focus: Empirical Legal Studies and Public & Private Interests. The center encompasses eleven dedicated PhD-researchers, four postdoctoral projects and four co-chairs on professorial level on the themes of Public and Private Interests and Quantitative Empirical Legal Studies. To strengthen the component of Empirical Legal Studies, Erasmus School of Law is hiring a postdoctoral researcher with a quantitative empirical legal research focus.

To find out which legal designs work to the benefit of society and secure both public and private interests, empirical evidence is a cornerstone. Quantitative empirical studies, ranging from the analysis of data collected in the field to the design and conducting of laboratory experiments, can be an important supplement to the legal and normative approach, ensuring that theoretical legal frameworks will match with practice and social needs.

The research topic for the postdoc is intentionally only broadly defined, as Erasmus school of Law welcomes empirical legal research that is relevant to all substantive areas of law related to its profile, including law and criminology, but also the study of law from an economic and social point of view. The vacancy is not restricted to applicants with a specific background in law but is also open for applicants with a different background (E.g. Economics, psychology, sociology) who have a strong expertise in quantitative empirical studies and a keen interest in empirical legal studies. 

Erasmus School of Law has already a strong methodological cluster on empirical legal research with a chair Empirical Legal Studies, which has been the first chair on Empirical Legal Studies in Europe, a chair Experimental Legal Studies, and now also two chairs of Quantitative Empirical Legal Studies. In addition, the department of criminology has extensive expertise in qualitative and quantitative studies. The ambition is to further strengthen the leading position of Erasmus School of Law in the Netherlands regarding Empirical Legal Studies by expanding the latter’s research portfolio to include more extensive use of empirical methods, as well as to offer impactful policy relevance and related educational activities.

The successful applicant will dedicate 0.8 FTE to research and 0.2 FTE to research-related teaching activities. Research is expected to be aimed at international top journals. You have the ambition to set up a strong international research line, while fostering a collaborative network and research platform with other academics and stakeholders on the topic, such as active participation in the recently established national Platform on Empirical Legal Studies. 

•    Excellent PhD with a strong quantitative empirical component (a PhD in law is not required, and can be in any field of social or data sciences). Expertise or affinity to empirical legal studies is desirable;
•    Excellent research track record as evidenced by academic publications in leading international journals;
•    Experience and/or aspiration to conduct interdisciplinary research and to be part of an interdisciplinary research environment;
•    Preferably teaching experience and proven didactic skills;
•    Preferably experience in obtaining external funding;
•    Excellent knowledge of English, written and oral (C1).

Fixed-term contract: 2 years with possibility of subsequent permanent contract in the position of assistant professor depending on your performance during the first two years. The effective commencement of the employment agreement is preferably September 2021.

Salary is scaled according to the CAO of Dutch Universities Scale 11 CAO NU, with a minimum of € 3,746 gross per month based on a 38 hour per week contract.

The attractive benefits package includes an end of year bonus of 8.3%, holiday allowance of 8%, extensive leave facilities for a healthy work/life balance, a good pension fund and an excellent collective insurance package. Staff is also entitled to use various facilities, such as sport facilities and library.

Since April 2018, Erasmus University Rotterdam has offered a Dual Career Programme to partners and spouses of new international employees. This programme is executed in close cooperation with Leiden University and TU Delft and aims to help partners and spouses find a job on the Dutch labour market. See www.eur.nl/en/working/international-staff-eur/family/work-partners.

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Erasmus University Rotterdam is an internationally oriented university with a pronounced social orientation in its education and research. Our scientists and students work to solve global and social challenges, inspired by the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam. Our academic education is intensive, active, and applied. Our research is increasingly taking place in multidisciplinary teams, which are highly intertwined with international networks. With our research impact and study quality, Erasmus University Rotterdam is highly ranked and can compete with leading European universities. Important values for Erasmus University Rotterdam are being daring, curious, socially involved, deliberate and aspiring to success.

Erasmus School of Law

Erasmus School of Law employs 490 members of staff and is attended by around 5000 students. Erasmus School of Law offer bachelor programmes in Law, Tax Law and Criminology, with a focus on active academic learning. Students can subsequently choose from a wide variety of master programmes. Erasmus School of Law also collaborates in Double Degree programmes combining law and (business) economics or law and business administration and is one of the founders of the European Master in Law & Economics. Once students have completed their master’s degree, they may choose from several postgraduate tracks provided by Erasmus School of Law (in collaboration with Erasmus Academy and others).

The fundamental premise underlying academic research conducted at Erasmus School of Law is that law cannot be considered in splendid isolation or as an end in itself. It is embedded in an economic and social context that shapes law. At the same time, law itself shapes society and defines economic relationships. In line with this vision, our mission is to conduct innovative research on the function of law in its economic and social context. This research has a strong social and business-driven orientation. Erasmus School of Law is committed to promoting international and interdisciplinary research.