PhD-position: Legal-Philosophical Research about the Tourist and Migration Law

Are you interested in empirical analysis of migration law and in legal theory? And would you like to work in a vibrant team of scholars forming one of the largest migration law research groups in Europe? Apply for this PhD-position at VU Amsterdam.

JOB DESCRIPTION

You will study the regulation and legal philosophical imagination of international mobility focussing on the figure of the tourist, in comparison with the asylum seeker. The tourist and the asylum seeker exemplify two sides of contemporary global mobility: one is smooth and efficient, whilst the other is rough and irregular. In research we often forget to relate these two forms of mobility to one another when thinking about justifications for and restrictions of the freedom of movement. Some have the freedom of movement to travel without many restrictions, others are stuck in immobility. This PhD-research will provide the first comprehensive research analysing the regulation and political imagination of the mobility of the tourist from a European perspective. The project will be supervised by prof. Hemme Battjes and dr. Martijn Stronks.

Your duties

• learn to independently conduct high-quality research, culminating in PhD thesis;
• collaborate with researchers within and outside the ACMRL;
• conduct empirical legal analysis of the European regulation of the mobility of the tourist and legal theoretical and philosophical scrutiny of the imagination of the tourist;
• contribute to teaching in our bachelor- en masterprograms.

REQUIREMENTS

• a law degree, or demonstrated experience with legal doctrinal analysis;
• a keen interest in migration and mobility, legal argumentation and concepts;
• a demonstrated high degree of self-discipline;
• excellent analytical skills
• experience with academic writing; and
• experience or affinity with interdisciplinary research, particularly legal/political philosophy and empirical legal studies;

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 2.770,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.539,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially . If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• space for personal development
• contribution to commuting expenses

EMPLOYER

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

About the Amsterdam Centre for Migration and Refugee Law
The ACMRL is one of the largest research centres in the field of migration law worldwide. The excellent research of the ACMRL staff is characterized by a wide variety of perspectives, methodologies and approaches in migration and asylum law. See for more information about research, teaching and other activities of the centre: www.acmrl.org.

Faculty of Law
At the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s Faculty of Law we train lawyers and criminologists to develop sharp critical minds, with a strong focus on the societal relevance of law. We offer Bachelor’s programmes in four main fields: Law, Notarial Law, Law in Society and Criminology. In addition, we offer an extensive range of Master’s programmes as well as contract education (for non-student visitors). Much of our research is both international and multidisciplinary in character.

Our teaching and research embody the values of cooperation and diversity. We encourage each other to view problems from different perspectives, to think critically, develop a broader mind and arrive at creative legal solutions together.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Law? You will work in an active and inspiring academic environment. Together with your colleagues, you will contribute to the excellence of teaching and research in a pleasant and collegial working environment. You will join over 400 staff members responsible for a student body of 4,500.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 5,500 staff work at the VU and over 30,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Are you interested in this position? Please apply and submit the following documents:

• curriculum vitae;
• cover letter explaining why you would like to do this PhD;
• transcripts of grades of master degree;
• writing sample.

Applications should be submitted before May 13, 2024. Job interviews are planned for 16 May 2024, the PhD-candidate must be available to start with the research no later than July 1st, 2024.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.