Netherlands Institute of Human Rights, Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance, Utrecht University
Postdoc in judicial independence and human rights in new democracies
Deadline for application: 4 January 2015

A postdoctoral position in the study of the relationship between judicial independence and human rights in new democracies is available at the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights (SIM) of the Utrecht University. The postdoctoral researcher will be undertaking research activities to support the Prince Claus Chair, Professor Javier A. Couso, professor and director of the Constitutional Law programme at the Universidad Diego Portales in Santiago.

The aim of the postdoctoral researcher is:• to assist the Prince Claus chair as his academic assistant, including reaching out to disciplines beyond law in Utrecht University’s strategic theme ‘Institutions’.
• to assist the Prince Claus chair in an ongoing multi-disciplinary research program, as well as co-authoring academic work.
• to assist in developing cooperation between Utrecht University and Universidad Diego Portales (in Santiago, Chile).
• to coordinate and undertake research activities on the area of comparative constitutional law, legal history and judicial studies, with a focus on the determinants of judicial independence in new democracies, particularly in Latin America.

Qualifications
Candidates should be highly motivated with experience in working in multidisciplinary environments and in possession of a doctoral degree. Prof Javier Couso encourages candidates interested in socio-legal approaches to the study of constitutional institutions and the rule of law. The candidate should be able to communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of Spanish is very desirable. The candidate should be able to work both in a team and independently.

Applications from candidates with research training in constitutional law, human rights, transitional justice and political science will be particularly well suited for this position. Any specific experience in research on the judiciary will be highly relevant.

Offer
You will be offered a postdoctoral position for one year. The gross monthly salary is dependent on experience and will amount between € 3,259.00 and € 3,601.00 per month (scale 11-0 to 11-2). You will also be offered a pension scheme, a health insurance allowance and flexible employment conditions. Employment conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities.

Additional information
For informal enquiries, contact Prof Javier Couso Salas: javier.couso@udp.cl

Apply
Please attach your motivation for the position, a statement of your research interests, a curriculum vitae, and the names and recommendation letters and contacts of two referees (with email contact addresses). To apply, you are required to use the electronic submission system of Utrecht University fort his vacancy, on this website (the position can be found by looking under academic positions and by selecting the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance.

The application deadline is 4 January 2015.