PhD Researcher in Climate Change and International Human Rights Law (2 Positions)

About the Role

The Faculty of Law and Criminology at Vrije Universiteit Brussel is recruiting two fully funded PhD researchers under the EU-funded Odysseus TEMPORALAW project, which examines how courts and legal systems engage with the temporal dimensions of climate change. The project runs from 2026 to 2031 and is led by Professor Corina Heri. Both positions are fully funded for four years under FWO bursary conditions.

Track 1 examines legal responsibility for past greenhouse gas emissions and historical accountability frameworks. Track 2 explores legal approaches to future generations’ rights, due diligence obligations, and judicial reasoning about long-term climate risks. Candidates apply for one track.

Responsibilities

• Develop an independent doctoral dissertation on climate change and international law within the assigned track
• Collaborate on theoretical frameworks with postdoctoral researchers on the TEMPORALAW team
• Contribute to joint publications and working papers
• Help organise workshops and academic events within the project
• Co-supervise Master’s students in legal clinics in the later stages of the PhD
• Engage with interdisciplinary perspectives at the intersection of law, climate science, and human rights

Requirements

• Master’s degree in law or equivalent qualification, completed by the start date of the PhD
• Preferred specialization in human rights law, public international law, or climate law
• Strong English proficiency, written and spoken
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team

Nice to Have

• Coursework or thesis work in climate change law, environmental law, or international dispute settlement
• Experience with international or regional human rights courts (ECtHR, IACtHR, ICJ)
• A writing sample in international or environmental law
• Reading knowledge of French for access to Belgian and French legal sources

How to Apply

Send a single PDF by email to [email protected] with the subject line “TEMPORALAW PhD application” before 20 May 2026. The PDF must include a one-page motivation letter specifying your preferred track, a CV with referee contacts, a writing sample, and a Master’s diploma or transcript. For more details visit temporalaw.com/work-with-temporalaw/. Funding includes a competitive doctoral salary, 35 days annual leave, public transport reimbursement, telework allowance, and hospitalisation insurance.