Researcher in Private International Law

Are you a passionate legal researcher with expertise in private international law? Do you thrive in international, academic environments and want to make an impact through cutting-edge legal research and commissioned projects? Then we’re looking for you to join the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague! 

Applications need to be done via email (PO@asser.nl). Do not use the ‘apply’ button of the page 

Join us! 

Join the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, an independent and internationally renowned research centre in international and European law, affiliated with the University of Amsterdam. As a Researcher in Private International Law, you’ll contribute to the Institute’s mission of advancing international and European public and private law through high-quality research, legal advice, and knowledge dissemination. 

This is what you will do 

(List of 4/5 bullet points, below are examples, you don’t need to use them) 

As a researcher, you are expected to

  • acquire, coordinate, and/or contribute to externally funded research projects;   
  • provide legal advice on matters of private international and/or comparative law;  
  • conduct private international law research in line with the Asser Instituut’s research agenda;  
  • collaborate with the other researchers of the Institute on research, educational or commissioned project; 
  • participate in knowledge dissemination activities at the national and international level; 
  • participate in the editing of the journal NIPR (Nederlands Internationaal Privaatrecht);  
  • collaborate with the Amsterdam Centre for Transformative Private Law (ACT). 

This is a projects-based vacancy, meaning that the successful candidate will need to bring commissioned projects to the institute (0.4 FTE) and will, in addition to that, receive time to conduct own research (0.4 FTE) and time to develop projects and networks (0.2 FTE).  

What we ask of you 

(List of 4/5 bullet points, below are examples, you don’t need to use them) 

  • a completed PhD with a focus on private international law, and preferably post-doctoral research experience; 
  • broad and in-depth knowledge of private international law; 
  • high quality academic publications in private international law; 
  • organisational and communications skills;  
  • a strong profile in the context of securing and implementing commissioned (research) projects;  
  • writing and speaking fluency in English 
  • professional working proficiency in Dutch is a plus.  

This is what we offer you 

  • We offer an appointment for 38 hours a week, initially for the period of one year with a probationary period of two months, preferably starting from 1 March 2026, with the prospect of extension. Extension of the appointment is subject to satisfactory performance after the first year. Considerations of a financial and/or organisational nature may give rise to not convert to permanent employment.  
  • The starting date ideally is preferably from 1 March 2026.  
  • To this position applies UFO profile ‘Onderzoeker 3’ and salary scale 11. Remuneration depends on the actual level of education, experience, and knowledge, and amounts to a minimum of €4,728 and a maximum of €6,433 gross per month for full-time work, excluding a holiday allowance (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%). The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten) is applicable.  
  • A temporary reduction in income tax (equal to 30% of taxable salary) may apply to non-Dutch candidates.  
  • You will be employed by the University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Law, but seconded to the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague.  
  • Only candidates with permission to work in the Netherlands will be considered. 
  • An opportunity to join a vibrant research community of international and European legal scholars; 
  • An inspiring, international, and diverse work environment with great colleagues; 
  • 29 days' holiday at full employment and extra holidays between Christmas and the New Year; 
  • Excellent work facilities at the heart of the Hague international quarter; 
  • Pension accrual with ABP; 
  • Excellent study and development opportunities in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam. 

You will work in this team 

At the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, we work on impactful legal research and education in the fields of international and European public and private law. Our research department is at the core of our knowledge-sharing mission. With around 50 colleagues, we foster a collaborative and mission-driven work culture. 

Your application and contact 

Interested candidates who are eligible to live and work in the Netherlands may submit the required documents in English by email only to po@asser.nl, mentioning “Researcher in Private International Law” in the subject line.   

The deadline to submit applications is 1 December 2025 12:00 (noon) CEST.  

Applications should include  

  • a current CV; 
  • a letter of motivation, including a brief description of the research you would be interested in pursuing at Asser, as well as your concrete ideas on your project work; 
  • a sample work of maximum 30 pages (e.g. a published paper). 

Further information can be obtained from Dr. Kasper Vrolijk, Managing Director of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut (e-mail: po@asser.nl).  

While we appreciate all expressions of interest, only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Employment agencies should not submit applications. 

Do not use the 'Apply' button on the vacancy page. 

In the event of equal suitability, internal candidates are given priority. While we appreciate all expressions of interest, only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Employment agencies should not submit applications. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received enough applications and before the advertised closing date.