PhD Informality in EU Migration and Foreign Relations Law or the Instrumentalisation of Migration in Europe
Apply nowPhD Informality in EU Migration and Foreign Relations Law or the Instrumentalisation of Migration in Europe
Are you a (nearly) graduated law student and do you want to start your university career as a passionate, enthusiastic PhD student? Then we have the job you are looking for. The Department of European and Economic Law at the University of Groningen offers you the opportunity to work for four years as a researcher within one of our research programmes.
As a PhD researcher, you will carry out independent scientific research under the mentorship of Dr Jonas Bornemann, Dr Viktor Szép and Prof. Dr Ramses A. Wessel.
PhD Informality in EU Migration and Foreign Relations Law or the Instrumentalisation of Migration in Europe
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What are you going to do?
You are expected to carry out research in one of the following broadly defined areas:
1. Proposals may focus on the growing use of informality in EU migration and foreign relations law. In EU migration law, informality has been used in recent crisis responses and informal “deals” are often preferred to formal international agreements. This research could assess the implications of such informal actions for the rule of law, governance, and accountability.
2. Alternatively, proposals may focus on the instrumentalisation of migration. The war in Ukraine has pushed the issue of migration instrumentalisation to the forefront of the EU’s political agenda, as Russia and Belarus have been accused of using displaced people as leverage to destabilise societies in the EU. Policymakers now frame certain migration flows not only as humanitarian crises but also as hybrid threats aimed at destabilising the Union. This has prompted the EU to harden its border policies and develop new legal tools to respond to perceived orchestrated movements of people. However, critics warn that such securitisation risks undermining the rights of individuals and exposing them to extreme hardship at the border.
Who are you?
You have:
- A completed Master’s degree, preferably in law and/or a related domain that is relevant to the execution of the research proposal.
- A demonstrable interest and expertise in EU constitutional law and/or EU migration law and/or EU external relations law.
- Eagerness to publish international articles and write a dissertation.
- Excellent research skills.
- Excellent command of English.
- Good social and communication skills.
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 up to a maximum of € 3.881 (Promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Contract duration: PhD for a period of 18 months plus 2.5 years.
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (RUG), researchers across all branches of science and technology work on scientific challenges and societal issues. Lecturers train their students for meaningful careers in science or beyond. Interdisciplinary research and education, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with companies, government institutions, and societal organizations are highly valued at this top 100 university. RUG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working environment that invites you to contribute your value.
The Faculty of Law is a broad-based faculty. Our community is characterized by an open and informal atmosphere and consists of approximately 4,500 students and 400 staff. We foster an environment that combines academic tradition and innovation, in a way that addresses national and international societal issues. Our research and teaching are groundbreaking, with special attention paid to current themes such as sustainability and energy, technological developments including AI, and the democratic rule of law. We prepare legal professionals to adopt a broad perspective, think critically, and adapt to a rapidly changing world. We place a strong emphasis on the development of both students and staff. We actively seek connection across legal fields and disciplines, and with partners within and outside academia. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Law, visit rug.nl/rechten.
You will work at the Department of European and Economic Law of the Faculty of Law at the University of Groningen. Interviews are in principle planned on Wednesday the 28th of January 2026.
Application procedure
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
The selection committee assesses your application and you will receive a response at the latest two weeks after the closing date.
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.
Please add the following documents to your application:
Updated CV, Letter of motivation, Research proposal of maximum 1500 words (excluding footnotes) with the following elements: issue, research question, prospective research design, a copy of your diploma(s) and grades lists (if they are not in Dutch or English please provide an English translation), proof of English language proficiency (academic English).
Do you have any questions or need more information?
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Questions about the content of the job?
Ramses Wessel
Full Professor
R.A.Wessel@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Ryanne Meijer
Human Resources Adviser
ryanne.meijer@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Onze selectieprocedure volgt de richtlijnen van de NVP Sollicitatiecode
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