PhD Candidate: The Law and Policy of EU External Climate Action

Are you passionate about environmental protection on a global scale? And do you aspire to make a tangible impact in shaping policies that safeguard our planet's future? If so, join the Department of International and European Law as a PhD candidate!

In light of escalating environmental challenges and mounting calls for action, societies worldwide, including the EU find themselves at a critical juncture, compelled to navigate the complex intersection of environmental stewardship, economic development and social equity. The EU is widely perceived as a global leader in this respect, inter alia due to its strong commitment to multilateralism and promotion of the UN climate change regime. Moreover, the European Green Deal envisages a proactive role for the EU as a ‘global leader’, whereby the latter’s own internal green transition would be a stepping stone for its engagement with its international partners. As a PhD candidate, you will explore the Union’s instruments and methodology designed to assist its partners in fulfilling their obligations under the Paris Agreement, while simultaneously fostering a global ecological transition.

As a PhD candidate, you will be joining the vibrant community of the Department of International and European Law at Radboud University. The proposed PhD project is to be carried out as part of the wider research conducted within the Faculty of Law’s Research Centre for Law and State (SteR). It will particularly resonate with the SteR sub-programme on ‘Interaction between national and international law’ as it most certainly focus on the interaction of EU law with international law and national law, for instance, through case studies of EU relations with third countries.

You will be required to submit a research proposal explaining the proposed topic and possible methods of inquiry into the relevant subject within the framework set out above. Possible lines of enquiry could include the suitability of using trade instruments to promote environmental objectives, the added value of incorporating a commitment to the Paris Agreement as an essential element in new trade agreements, or the role and receptiveness of internal actors in third countries. Other pertinent questions could be raised in relation to the EU’s cooperation with developing countries. These are only some of the issues that can be explored in relation to the EU’s quest for global green leadership, whether at a conceptual level, through a doctrinal analysis or by empirical studies examining relations of the EU with various partners, be it international organisations, particular third countries, or specific regions. The research might also include a comparative perspective, for instance by incorporating case studies. The PhD project may also deploy critical perspectives by scrutinising the EU’s relations with partners in the Global South through the prism of climate justice.

Alongside other requirements concerning the application, the selection committee will evaluate the proposal in order to evaluate your suitability for the position. Upon selection, the proposal will be further developed under the guidance of your supervisors.

The successful completion of the PhD project involves writing a monograph, although the option of publishing articles leading up to a PhD thesis is also open for negotiation. It is expected that interim findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals or edited volumes.

The position also includes a 25% teaching component. This will most likely involve convening tutorials in a course on EU institutional law, as well as preparing questions for examination and marking the relevant assignments in this subject. In addition, it may include the supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s theses, or the supervision of moot courts. Lastly, the position involves the undertaking of other relevant tasks, such as assistance in organising conferences.

Requirements:

• You have obtained, or shortly expect to obtain, a Master's degree, preferably in EU law, but a Master’s in another discipline will also be considered if it includes a significant component dedicated to EU law and policy, including EU external relations law and policy.
• You have strong analytical skills and excellent academic writing skills, as evidenced by your CV.
• You are enthusiastic and curious, and have perseverance, willpower and the ability to conduct independent scientific research and publish the results thereof.
• You display a proactive and flexible attitude.
• You should posses an excellent command of written and spoken English.

The following are considered advantageous:

• Previous work experience in the field of EU Law, for example at an EU institution. Alternatively, international study or work experience is considered advantageous.
• A good command of the Dutch language or another EU language. Willingness to learn Dutch or to improve your Dutch language skills are also considered advantageous. Sufficient knowledge of an additional EU language to carry out research in this language will be viewed as equally advantageous.

Salary Benefits:

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1,5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years. After that there is another possible extension for 1 year (if the evaluation is positive).
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,226 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,720 in the fourth year (salary scale 10).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service. The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

38 hours per week

Houtlaan 4