NOTICE: PhD Defenses in Legal History [Association des Historiens des Facultés de Droit] (Paris/Nantes, APR/MAY 2026)

 

(image source: AssoHFD)

The Association des Historiens des Faculté de Droit reported the PhD Defenses of

• Baptiste ROBAGLIA (Paris II Panthéon-Assas), Un humaniste au Palais : Étienne Pasquier (1529-1615), penseur d’un droit national (dir. Philippe COCATRE-ZILGIEN & Xavier PRÉVOST) (10 April 2026)
• Ambre JARASSIER (Nantes Université), Les sénatus-consultes napoléoniens, entre constituer et légiférer (dir; Grégoire BIGOT) (5 May 2026)

More information on the jury composition can be found by clicking on the links above.

VACANCY: PhD Candidates for the project "Multilateralism Revisited The Past, Present, and Future of International Negotiation and Cooperation" (Vienna: Universität Wien, DEADLINE 12 APR 2026)

 

(image source: Uni Wien)

The University of Vienna is looking for PhD Candidates from "political science, history, development studies, international law, or related fields" for the large research project The past, present, and future of multilateralism.

PI's are Elisabeth Roehrlich, Eva-Maria Muschik, Alice Vadrot, Michael Waibel and Arne Langlet-Uranüs (more information here).

More information below:

University assistant predoctoral 

 408 Research Platform Multilateralism Revisited: The Past, Present, and Future of International Negotiation and Cooperation 

Job vacancy starting: 01.09.2026 | Working hours: 30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 31.08.2030

Job ID: 5320

Are you interested in studying the past, present, and future of multilateralism in a city that is a hub for international negotiation and cooperation? Do you have a background in political science, international law, development studies, history or related social science and humanities disciplines and are you open to interdisciplinary research? We are looking for four PhD candidates to join the newly founded Research Platform “Multilateralism Revisited: The Past, Present, and Future of International Negotiation and Cooperation” at the University of Vienna (https://multilateralism-revisited.univie.ac.at/). “Multilateralism Revisited,” led by Arne Langlet, Eva-Maria Muschik, Elisabeth Röhrlich, Alice Vadrot, and Michael Waibel, is a joint project of the Faculties of Social Sciences, Historical and Cultural Studies, and Law.

Multilateralism has increasingly come under attack in recent years. At the same time, there is a growing understanding that contemporary issues—from climate change to artificial intelligence to pandemics—are global and require multilateral solutions. The research platform will study challenges to multilateralism in the past, present, and future from an interdisciplinary perspective. Collectively, we will investigate how issues such as global inequalities, institutional fragmentation, and science and technology contestation challenged and continue to challenge multilateralism. Four co-supervised PhD projects will explore how these challenges affect(ed) multilateral negotiations relating to
1) the colonial past and its legacies (from a historical and development studies perspective),
2) the governance of dual-use technologies such as nuclear energy and artificial intelligence (from a historical perspective),
3) data sharing in the governance of environmental crimes (from a political science perspective), and 
4) resource extraction in “the global commons” such as the high seas (from an international law perspective).

We are looking for candidates who are eager to develop a PhD research project in one of these four research areas. While each project will be anchored in a primary disciplinary orientation, all projects will be co-supervised by a team member with a different disciplinary background. 

What makes our group special:

• We are building a new research platform to jointly investigate challenges to multilateralism in the past, present, and future from different disciplinary perspectives
• We are part of extensive international research networks in our respective fields
• We offer training in individual academic disciplines as well as in interdisciplinary research
• We offer a dynamic and inspiring research environment
• We offer supportive mentorship focused on your academic development

 

Your work setting:

You will be affiliated with and based at one of the participating departments, become a member of the interdisciplinary research platform “Multilateralism Revisited,” and join one of the participating doctoral schools. 

 

Affiliations: 

Project 1 (“colonial past/legacies”): Department of Development Studies / Doctoral School of Social Sciences (main supervisor: Eva-Maria Muschik)
Project 2 (“dual use technologies”): Department of History / Doctoral School of Historical and Cultural Studies (main supervisor: Elisabeth Roehrlich)
Project 3 (“environmental crimes”): Department of Political Science / Doctoral School of Social Sciences (main supervisors: Arne Langlet and Alice Vadrot)
Project 4 (“global commons”): Department of European, International and Comparative Law / Advanced Research School in Law and Jurisprudence (main supervisor: Michael Waibel)

Your future tasks:

You actively participate in research, teaching & administration, which means:

 

• You work on your dissertation and its completion within four years
• You work on the dissemination of your research (e.g. through conference participation and publications)
• You become an active member of the new research platform “Multilateralism Revisited”
• You teach courses within the scope of the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement for Austrian universities (up to two teaching hours per week)
• You participate in, (co-)organize, and contribute to joint activities of the research platform such as workshops, public seminars and lectures, grant-writing, and publications
• You participate in the events of the respective department where you are based

This is part of your academic background and personality:

Necessary:

• Completed above-average master's degree in political science, history, development studies, international law or related disciplines (degree must be conferred no later than the starting date of the position)
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Experience with relevant research methods (e.g. archival research, data analysis) and academic writing
• Interest in inter- and transdisciplinary work
• Strong commitment to finish your PhD project within four years
• Commitment to teamwork and required social skills
• Commitment to live in or near Vienna 

 

Asset: 

• Experience with interdisciplinary research and work settings
• Didactic competences (e.g. experience as teaching assistant)
• Interest in science communication beyond academia
• Previous research or practical experience regarding international organizations and multilateralism
• Basic German skills

What we offer:

Duration of employment: The employment duration is 4 years (30 hours/week). Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic research setting in an attractive working environment.

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR EUR 2.832,10 (30 hours per week, gross, 14 times per year) increases if we can credit professional experience. This includes benefits (pension system) and health insurance. 

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy family-friendly working hours and can partially work remotely. 

Good public transport connections: Your workplace is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

 

 

How to apply:

Please submit the following documents via our job portal: 

 

• Cover Letter explaining your interest in and suitability for the platform (2 pages)
• Academic curriculum vitae (including publications and presentations, if applicable)
• The names of two referees who can testify to your academic skills (including their affiliation, email address, phone number)
• Sketch for a prospective doctoral project proposal related to the above mentioned fields (max. 5 pages)
• A writing sample (e.g. article, MA thesis chapter)
• Copy of Master Degree / Diploma and transcripts of all university degrees

 

We will conduct interviews with short-listed candidates (interviews currently scheduled for week of 4-8 May)

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact:

Cara Nairz-Vith

multilateralism-revisited@univie.ac.at

 

We look forward to new personalities in our team! 
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

Read more here. 

VACANCIES: MSCA Doctoral Network – “TESTAMENT” – 6 PhD Positions (DEADLINE 20 APR 2026)

(image source: European Commission)

 

Within the MSCA Doctoral Network “TESTAMENT” (No. 101226689), we are currently looking for six Doctoral Candidates (DCs). The DCs will be focusing on the interplay between societal dynamics, learned law (ius commune), and testamentary freedom in the Late Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period. This research consortium brings together researchers from five universities (KU Leuven, Jagiellonian University Cracow, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Charles University Prague, University of Warsaw) and several associated partners. The consortium offers ample learning opportunities, through summer/winter schools, through a research stay at another partner, and through an internship with a museum or an archive. Thus, highly recommended!

 

Important: Since this is a EU-funded project, we are looking for candidates who have not resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the recruiting university for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment.

 

Are you willing to leave your home country and start working as a DC in law or history at a foreign university? Then, this is your chance!

 

(i)                  DC1: KU Leuven – History - generational dynamics and property transfers in urban families in late medieval Brabant

(ii)                 DC2: University of Warsaw – History - Testators and their families in early modern Warsaw

(iii)               DC3: Charles University Prague – Legal History - Membership of the Hussite movement and last wills in the Kingdom of Bohemia

(iv)               DC4: Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena – Legal History - Role of jurists and interest groups in the preparation of manorial legislations on last wills in Saxony

(v)                 DC5: KU Leuven – Legal History - Joint last wills of spouses in Leuven

(vi)               DC6: Jagiellonian University Cracow – Legal History - Last wills of professors - overlapping legal orders and testamentary freedom in early modern Kraków.

 

Deadline for applications = 20 April 2026.

 

More information on the project’s website: https://testament.project.uj.edu.pl/vacancy.

VACANCIES: 14 PHD Positions in Cultural Heritage - Cultural Heritage Outreach in RomAnce Languages (MSCA CoFund) (DEADLINE 17 JAN 2026)

(image source: wikimer)

 

Presentation

• Selected candidates will be enrolled in PhD programmes under joint supervision, awarding a double degree and requiring international mobility.

• High-Quality Training: Receive expert-led research training through the UNITA Alliance’s dedicated Cultural Heritage Hub, encompassing diverse fields within and beyond cultural heritage.

• Comprehensive Support: Benefit from dedicated guidance from the initial stages of your PhD to professional integration.

• Transformative Impact: Contribute to the socio-economic and cultural transformation of rural and cross-border mountain territories.

• Financial Support: Includes travel, mobility, and research costs.

• Double Degree: Graduate with a double degree from two European universities.

• Funding: 3-year fully funded PhDs, starting autumn 2026

How to Apply

• A CV (template provided) that includes all personal information, education background, research activities (if any) and information about two referees

• Two Reference letters (in a single PDF file): each referee will submit a letter concerning the applicant’s previous research activities and the applicant's research capacity and working experience

• A personal statement (template provided - maximum of 5 pages) that includes general motivation letter for participation in CHORAL and the research topic, qualifications and achievements, career development objectives, collaboration requested beyond higher education sector for short stays

• An ethics and security issues self-assessment

• A copy of the Master’s degree and academic transcripts translated into English; Candidates waiting for their diploma to be officially issued must submit their marks and rankings

• Copies of certificates of English language proficiency (for non-English native speaking applicants): Cambridge First Certificate or equivalent, TOEIC, TOEFL, a certificate of your Master’s university attesting the English

• Copies of a valid identity card (for EU citizens) or a valid passport (for visa application if selected)

• A declaration on honour (template provided) about the conformity of the mobility information

Fellowship conditions

• France: 2300€/month

• Italy: 2270€/month

• Spain: 2164€/month

• Romania: 2740€/month

• Mobility allowance up to 4500 € over the 3-year period to partially cover travels, accommodation, etc. linked to secondments for the project duration.

• Conference allowance up to 3500 € over the 3-year period of the PhD, to cover expenses related to the travel for attendance or participation to conferences, workshops.

• Research allowance of 5000€ over the 3 years to cover expenses related to the research;

Scientific coordination

• Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (UPPA - France)

• Université Savoie Mont Blanc (USMB - France)

• Università degli studi di Torino (UNITO - Italy)

• Universidad de Zaragoza (UNIZAR - Spain)

• Università degli Studi di Brescia (UNIBS - Italy)

• Universitatea Transilvania din Brașov (UNITBV - Roumania)

As part of the UNITA Alliance, 14 excellent Doctoral Candidates (DCs) will enrol the CHORAL programme in Cultural Heritage.

UNITA is an alliance of twelve universities supported by the European Union. Launched in November 2020, the alliance is helping to build the European Higher Education area. The partner universities, all of which are in Romance-speaking countries, have in common that they are located in mountainous and border areas.

Coordinated by the Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, CHORAL (Cultural Heritage Outreach in RomAnce Languages) is a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme co-funded by the European Union. This prestigious programme is linked to the Cultural Heritage Hub, an international research network within the Alliance, which structures its research ecosystem facing cultural related challenges.

CHORAL aims to train high-quality international researchers and to nurture the development of interdisciplinary, international and inter-sectoral research that addresses any aspect of Cultural Heritage. While rooted in cultural heritage, the programme spans a wide range of scientific domains, including architecture, anthropology, arts and culture, computer science, history, literature, linguistics, management, musicology and more.

Applications are open until January 17, 2026 for 14 grants on multiple PhD research topics in 6 Universities of the UNITA Alliance for fully funded 3-years PhDs, starting on autumn 2026 : https://aap.univ-pau.fr 

The application form should contain all the following mandatory documents:

Detailed information about the PhD Research Topics and the conditions to apply: https://www.research.univ-unita.eu/en/choral-project.html

CHORAL fellows will benefit from the following advantages:

The monthly gross salary will depend on the recruiting country. The following list presents an indicative gross salary after employers' taxation, provided as guidance. The salary gross amount may be subject to changes corresponding to taxes increases/decreases 

The net salary amount may be subject to changes and corresponding personal tax position.

20 PhD Research Topics for 14 positions in 6 universities within the UNITA Alliance.

Read more on calenda.

PRIZE: d'Aguesseau Thesis Prize 2025 to Francesco Saverio TAVAGLIONE (ULiège), "Entre punition et réparation. Pour une histoire culturelle de la fonction de la responsabilité aquilienne"

(image source: daguesseau.fr)

Announcement:

Le jury du Prix d’Aguesseau s’est réuni le 1er décembre 2025. À l’unanimité des présents lors de la délibération, c’est la thèse de Monsieur Francesco Saverio Tavaglione, « Entre punition et réparation. Pour une histoire culturelle de la fonction de la responsabilité aquilienne« , soutenue à l’Université de Liège, thèse conduite sous la direction de Mme Patricia Giunti et M. Jean-François Gerkens, qui a été retenue comme lauréate.

Read more here. 

 

VACANCIES (1 POSTDOC, 1 PHD): "History of Ethics and Law of Responding to Suffering" (Virpi MÄKINEN) University of Helsinki/Faculty of Theology (DEADLINE 17 DEC 2025)

(image source: Helsinki University)

The Research Council of Finland funded centre of excellence in Meliorist Philosophy of Suffering (leader: Sami Pihlström) announces fixed-term employment (doctoral researcher and postdoctoral researcher) in legal history/history of ethics.

The positions are placed in the work package "History of Ethics and Law of Responding to Suffering", lead by Virpi Mäkinen (University of Helsinki).

For more information, please see:

Doctoral researcher: https://jobs.helsinki.fi/job-invite/4561/

Postdoctoral researcher: https://jobs.helsinki.fi/job-invite/4565/

VACANCY: University assistant predoctoral [Chair for Globalisation and Legal Pluralism, Department of Legal and Constitutional History] (Wien: Universität Wien, DEADLINE 21 DEC 2025)

 

(image source: Uni Wien)

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a/an

 

University assistant predoctoral 

34 Faculty of Law  

Job vacancy starting: 01.01.2026 | Working hours:  30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 31.12.2029

Job ID: 4931

There are many good reasons to become involved in research and teaching at the University of Vienna. One reason in particular why some 7,700 academics have joined this university is that they thrive on curiosity and continuous exploration in their quest for scientific achievement. Do you feel the same? Then join our team!

Your future position:

As a predoc university assistant, you will join the team of Prof. Dr. Lena Foljanty, Chair for Globalisation and Legal Pluralism, at the Department of Legal and Constitutional History. The chair’s research deals with globalisation processes in law from a historical perspective. We are particularly interested in PhD projects on colonial and decolonial processes, colonial epistemologies, transculturality, and critical examinations of Eurocentric historiography. Projects that bridge the gap between historical and current challenges are also welcome, provided that they include a legal history aspect.

The duration of employment is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment contract is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration.

Your future tasks:

You will be actively involved in research, teaching and administration, which means:

• You will be involved in research and publication projects.
• We expect you to conclude your dissertation agreement within 12-18 months.
• You will work on your dissertation and its completion.
• You will hold courses independently in accordance with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• You will take on administrative tasks in research and teaching.

Your profile:

• Completed Master's degree or diploma in law or in a neighbouring discipline, e.g. history, social sciences, cultural and social anthropology (or equivalent qualification)
• Excellent command of English and/or German, ability to express yourself well in writing and speaking
• Knowledge of further languages for research on intercultural topics would be an advantage.
• You must be able to contribute to the chair's research and the department's teaching obligations.
• You should be a team player with good social and communication skills.
• IT user skills (MS Office, Moodle, Zoom)
• Preferably basic experience in teaching and in academic writing and research methods, as well as familiarity with the processes and structures of a university

What we offer:

Work-life balance: You will have flexible working hours and can work from home part of the time. 

Inspiring working atmosphere: You will be part of an international team in a casual working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training: We provide opportunities to continually expand and develop your skills.

Fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 3,714,80 (for full-time work) increases if you have relevant prior work experience.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every new personality to the team!

 

How to apply:

• With your academic CV/letter of intent
• With a summary of your research interests/PhD project proposal (max. 2 p.)
• Certificate of completion of your Master's degree/Diploma
• Proof of further qualifications where appropriate
• Via our job portal/Apply now button

 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Lena Foljanty  

lena.foljanty@univie.ac.at

 

We look forward to new personalities in our team! 
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

 

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

 

Application deadline: 21.12.2025

(more information here)

PRIZE: PHD Prize of the Association des Historiens des Facultés de Droit to Joseph MANN, "De l'histoire des corporations au corporatisme. Evolutions méthodologiques et recompositions idéologiques chez les historiens du droit en France (1830-1945)”

(image source: assohfd)

The Association des Historiens des Facultés de Droit attributed its 2025 PhD Thesis Prize to Joseph MANN for the dissertation De l'histoire des corporations au corporatisme. Evolutions méthodologiques et recompositions idéologiques chez les histoires du droit en France (1830 - 1945).

This work was defended at the Université de Strasbourg on 21 November 2024, under supervision of prof. dr. Raphaël ECKERT. The jury was presided by Prof. dr. Emanuele CONTE. Prof. dr. Jean-Louis HALPÉRIN and prof. dr. David DEROUSSIN acted as reporters, while prof. dr. Céline PAUTHIER and Prof. dr. Jean-Marie TUFFERY-ANDRIEU were examiners.

Read more on theses.fr and the Associations's website.

VACANCIES: Five positions as doctoral research associates (m/f/d) available [Graduiertenkolleg Politik der Aufklärung] (Halle: Martin-Luther-Universität-Halle-Wittenberg; DEADLINE 26 OCT 2025)

 

(image source: Uni Halle)

Five positions as doctoral research associates (m/f/d) available
Research Associate (m-f-d)

The Interdisciplinary Centre for European Enlightenment Studies (IZEA) at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg is offering 5 part time (65%) positions as part of the “Politics of the Enlightenment” Research Training Group (RTG 2999) as a

for a fixed term of up to 4 years, starting from 01.04.2026.

Remuneration will be determined based on job duties and responsibilities and will be aligned with the fulfillment of listed personal requirements, up to pay grade 13 under the TV-L (Tarifvertrag für den Öffentlichen Dienst der Länder – ‚German Public Service Pay Agreement for the Federal States‘).

Job Responsibilities:

• Completion of a dissertation within the Research Training Group’s thematic spectrum.
• Assistance with Research Training Group activities.
• The research and training objectives of the Research Training Group are available here https://cloud.uni-halle.de/s/XZFiJKO3UaxHmrh

Requirements:

• Very good academic university degree (master’s, state exam, or equivalent) in one of the areas of study involved in the Research Training Group (English studies, American studies, German studies, Romance studies, comparative literature, history, cultural history, philosophy, political science).
• Openness to interdisciplinary cooperation.
• Very good language skills in German and English. Further language skills are desirable.
• Strong communicative and social skills.

We offer:

• An open, motivating, interdisciplinary, and international research context with the opportunity to gain teaching experience.
• A structured qualification program for university and non-university career paths including a one- to three-month (optional) internship.
• 30 days of annual vacation plus additional days off on December 24 and 31.
• A family-friendly, diversity-oriented, and intercultural work environment at a certified family-oriented university, including holiday childcare.

Application Requirements:

• Exposé of your dissertation project of no more than 5 pages (additionally, a schedule and a summary of the planned structure). This should demonstrate a methodologically well-reflected research question that can be answered in the given timeframe and with interdisciplinary implications within the thematic framework of the Research Training Group.
• Statement of purpose (with one suggestion for a topic and format for an event that could be organized within the Research Training Group, e.g., seminar, workshop)
• CV
• Your most recent final thesis on a relevant subject
• Copies of all relevant transcripts
• List of courses taught and publications, if applicable
• Certificates of employment, if applicable
• Letter of recommendation from a university lecturer

Applications from disabled persons, including those of equal status (as certified by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit / Federal Employment Agency), will be given preferential consideration if they are equally suitable and qualified. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications from individuals of all nationalities are explicitly welcome. Applicants with a degree that was not obtained at a German university must submit a Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) (https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education) as proof of equivalence upon conclusion of the employment contract. You can find ways to apply for a financial grant for this under: https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/pro/recognition-grant.php.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Martin Dönike, Email: grk@polight.uni-halle.de.

Please send your application, including Reg. No.: 4-6767/25-D to Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Graduiertenkolleg “Politik der Aufklärung”, IZEA, Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Décultot, 06099 Halle (Saale) by 27.10.2025.

If possible, please send your application documents bey email (in a single PDF document) with the subject “Application Documents RTG Doctoral Candidate Position” and the Reg. No. to: graduiertenkolleg.pda@izea.uni-halle.de.

This job posting is subject to potential budgetary restrictions. Application costs will not be reimbursed by Martin Luther University. Application documents will only be returned if a sufficiently stamped envelope is enclosed. Electronic applications are welcome.

https://www.verwaltung.uni-halle.de/dezern3/Ausschr/25_4_6767_25_D_engl.pdf