At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research in law, political science, and international relations with high autonomy.
- Company: Join the European Research College in vibrant Amsterdam, a hub for innovative research.
- Benefits: Permanent positions with no teaching duties, flexible research environment, and support for publication.
- Why this job: Make a difference in global governance debates while collaborating with an international research community.
- Qualifications: Post-PhD or equivalent experience for Junior Researchers; established track record for Senior Researchers.
- Other info: Opportunities for mentorship and international grant development in a dynamic academic setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
ERC Amsterdam (European Research College, ERUNI) is hiring 9 full-time Junior Researchers and 3 part-time Senior Researchers in Law, Political Science, International Relations, and Political Economy. Research-only roles (no teaching), high autonomy, and strong support for publications and international grant development.
Our work concentrates on two interconnected thematic areas: Law and legal theory, international and commercial law, Political Economy, political science and international relations. We welcome ambitious, globally minded researchers who want to contribute to policy-relevant debates at the intersection of law, politics, and global governance, within a collegial, international research environment.
Positions available (Amsterdam):
- Full-time Junior Researchers (9 positions)
- Fields: Law, Political Science, International Relations, Political Economy
- Role focus: building a publication trajectory and developing an independent research agenda in an active research network.
- Indicative topic areas (non-exhaustive): global governance, international law, political institutions, European integration, political economy of regulation, institutions, and policy.
- Part-time Senior Researchers (3 positions)
- Fields: Law, Political Science, International Relations, Political Economy
- Role focus: mentoring, co-leading research lines, and developing international grant proposals (e.g., Horizon Europe / ERC-type schemes), alongside publication leadership.
What you’ll do:
- Develop and execute a coherent, publishable research programme (high autonomy in research design and publication strategy).
- Contribute to ERC Amsterdam seminars and cross-hub collaborations (ERC network incl. London and Rome).
- For Senior Researchers: mentor junior colleagues and co-develop competitive international funding proposals.
What we offer:
- Research-only appointments (no teaching obligations).
- A focused yet flexible research setting supporting autonomy and excellence, plus an international scholarly community.
- Support for growth and funding development, including institutional backing for competitive proposal preparation.
- A professional academic home in Amsterdam (Warmoesstraat 149–151) and access to a decentralised European research network.
Candidate profile (guidance):
- Junior Researchers: typically post-PhD or near completion (or equivalent research experience), with clear evidence of research potential and a credible publication plan.
- Senior Researchers: established track record, field leadership, mentoring capacity, and experience shaping research lines and/or grant proposals.
We welcome international applicants who want meaningful engagement with European academic and policy debates.
Application (required materials):
- Short letter of motivation (research field + interest)
- 1–3 representative publications (published / working papers / forthcoming)
- Professional CV incl. publication list (APA style with DOIs where possible)
12 Research Positions (9 Junior, 3 Senior) – Law, Political Science, International Relations & [...] employer: European Research College
Contact Detail:
European Research College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 12 Research Positions (9 Junior, 3 Senior) – Law, Political Science, International Relations & [...]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former researchers at ERC Amsterdam on LinkedIn or through academic forums. A friendly chat can give us insights into the culture and expectations, plus it might just lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the research areas mentioned in the job description. We want to show that we’re not just interested but genuinely passionate about contributing to global governance and political economy discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your academic profiles and share your research interests on platforms like ResearchGate or Academia.edu. This helps us stand out and shows our commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace 12 Research Positions (9 Junior, 3 Senior) – Law, Political Science, International Relations & [...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Motivation Letter: Your motivation letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to clearly express your research interests and how they align with our work at ERC Amsterdam. Keep it concise but impactful – we want to see your passion for the field!
Showcase Your Publications: When you include your publications, pick the ones that best represent your research capabilities. Whether they're published or working papers, make sure they highlight your strengths and relevance to the position you're applying for.
Tailor Your CV: Your CV should be a reflection of your academic journey. Include a publication list in APA style with DOIs where possible. Remember, we’re looking for clarity and relevance, so tailor it to showcase your experience in law, political science, or international relations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at ERC Amsterdam!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Research College
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your research area, especially the topics mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss your previous work and how it aligns with the ERC Amsterdam's focus on law, political science, and international relations.
✨Craft a Compelling Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter should clearly articulate your research interests and how they connect to the role. Highlight your publication plans and any relevant experience that showcases your potential as a researcher in this field.
✨Prepare for Questions on Collaboration
Since the role involves contributing to seminars and cross-hub collaborations, be ready to discuss your experience working in teams. Think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated on research projects or contributed to a scholarly community.
✨Showcase Your Publication Strategy
As the position focuses on building a publication trajectory, come prepared with a clear plan for your future publications. Discuss your ideas for research papers and how you intend to contribute to the academic discourse in your field.