项目介绍

2026年3月12日

Are you interested in pursuing a PhD at the intersection of EU company law and EU competition law? Do you want to explore how legal frameworks shape markets, corporate behaviour, and economic ordering in times of profound societal transformation? This PhD position offers the opportunity to develop your own ambitious research project exploring the role of law in addressing today’s most pressing challenges.

PhD Research Project

European economies are undergoing structural transformation. Business corporations operate in an environment marked by:

• Growing social and economic inequalities, both within and between Member States, including widening disparities in income, wealth, and labour conditions;
• The urgent need to address ecological degradation and planetary boundaries, requiring far-reaching changes in production and consumption patterns;
• Concerns about the EU’s ability to remain competitive in a global economy characterised by geopolitical fragmentation and industrial policy revival;
• The rapid development and deployment of artificial intelligence, with significant implications for labour markets, corporate governance, and market structures.

Corporations and markets are not neutral phenomena: they are constituted and structured by law. Company law, competition law, and (where relevant) financial law form the legal architecture of the European market economy. They structure corporate purpose, allocate economic power, and shape market dynamics. How do these legal regimes interact and how can — or should — they contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economic development within the EU and beyond?

Applicants are asked to write their own research proposal within the broad theme indicated above. The proposal must integrate both EU company law and EU competition law. It may also incorporate elements of financial law, organisational ethics or broader EU economic governance. While the European Union must form a core part of the analysis, comparative or transnational perspectives are encouraged. We appreciate projects that combine a strong theoretical framework with doctrinal analysis of EU company law and EU competition law. Where appropriate, empirical methods (case studies, interviews, quantitative analysis, or mixed approaches) are welcome. Interdisciplinary engagement – such as with economics, political theory, sociology, or business studies – is welcome.

What you will do

• You will primarily carry out your doctoral research;
• You will contribute to teaching activities on a limited scale.

What we ask of you

• You have a master’s degree in law;
• You have knowledge of EU law;
• You have experience with and passion for academic research and writing;
• You have a clear research interest within the scope of this position.

Your application & contact

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the role, we look forward to receiving 

1. Your CV;
2. A cover letter explaining your motivation and suitability for this position (max. 500 words);
3. A research proposal. The suggested structure of the proposal is: problem statement, research question, methodology and bibliography (max. 2,000 words, bibliography included). Please use footnotes;
4. A writing sample in English (e.g. a published article, a draft paper, a master thesis etc.);
5. Your academic transcripts (bachelor and master degree);
6. The contact details of two referees whom the selection committee may contact during the selection process (no reference letters required at this stage) to be listed at the end of the CV.

Please note that it is only possible to upload two documents, therefore please combine the required files in two (PDF-)documents.

We strongly encourage applicants to avoid extensive use of AI-based tools and to submit materials that reflect their own independent thinking and writing.

Applications are open until 26 April 2026 (time: 23:59), late submissions will not be considered. Based on the written applications, selected candidates will be invited to an online interview. They will be notified on 13 May 2026 at the latest. The interviews will take place on 18 and 19 May. The final round of the application process takes place in the week thereafter, on 28 Mau in person at the University in Amsterdam. If you have not heard from us by 13 May, this means that we have selected other candidates for the next round of the application. Due to the expected high number of applicants, we are unfortunately not in the position to provide any feedback on applications that do not make the selection.

 For questions about the position, please contact:

• Jan Broulík j.broulik@uva.nl
• Kinanya Pijl k.c.i.pijl@uva.nl

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.Read moreStudies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.