PHD Informality EU Migration in Groningen

PhD Informality in EU Migration and Foreign Relations Law or the Instrumentalisation of Migration in Europe

Faculty: Law
Closing date: 19 January 2026
Employment: 1 FTE
Salary: €3.059 - €3.881 gross per month

What are you going to do?

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct research in the field of EU Migration and Foreign Relations Law, focusing on the theme of informality or the instrumentalisation of migration in Europe.

What can you expect from us?

• Salary of €3.059 up to a maximum of €3.881 gross per month (Promovendus) for a full-time contract.
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• PhD position 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 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. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Law, visit rug.nl/rechten.

Application procedure

• Your application: After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
• Selection: The selection committee assesses your application and you will receive a response at the latest two weeks after the closing date.
• First interview: We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
• Second interview and possible assessment or guest lecture: We may schedule a second interview. Depending on the position, this can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
• Terms of employment meeting: 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, apply straightaway.

Please add the following documents to your application:

• Updated CV
• Letter of motivation
• Research proposal of maximum 1500 words (excluding footnotes) including: issue, research question, prospective research design
• 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)

Contact persons for further information: Ramses Wessel (research content) and Ryanne Meijer (application process).