The Hertie School is a private university based in Berlin, Germany, accredited by the state and the German Science Council. It prepares exceptional students for leadership positions in government, business and civil society. Interdisciplinary and practice-oriented teaching, first-class research and an extensive international network set the Hertie School apart and position it as an ambassador of good governance, characterised by public debate and engagement.

About the role

The contract shall commence as of ca. 01 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and will be limited until 28.02.2029. The successful candidate will work with Professor Mark Dawson. The position is part of a Research Group on “Reconfiguring Europe. Between Competence and Control” which is funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the Swiss National Science Foundation. This position is located within the project on the relationship between populism and EU law. The project aims to understand how the rise of populist movements affects EU law, both in terms of the extent to which populists engage with the EU legal order (both in opposition and in government) and the possible responses of the European Courts and legal system to populism. The position is a unique opportunity for an ambitious postdoc interested in the development of the EU’s legal and political order. The recruited researcher will be expected to produce independent research and publish high-level publications within the overall frame of the project and its work packages.

Your responsibilities

To develop, in close collaboration with Professor Mark Dawson, a work plan within the research agenda of the project on the inter-relation between populist movements and EU law
To produce joint and individual publications on the project’s topics;
To participate in, and support the organisation of, the research events and dissemination activities related to the project
To participate in and present research at internal and external workshops, and conferences;
To closely collaborate with other members of the research team and with researchers in the research unit across our partner institutions, including in the academic life of the JDC

Key requirements

Submitted or completed Ph.D or equivalent in law or political science;
Advanced knowledge and interest in the relation between EU law and politics. Expertise in EU constitutional law, in comparative constitutional law and/or other relevant substantive fields of EU law constitute an advantage;
Previous scholarly publications, commensurate with experience;
Written and spoken proficiency in the English language, including good communication and presentation skills.
Interest in inter-disciplinary research.
Ability to work independently and produce research results within the time-frame of the position

How to apply

Submit your application using the button on the job posting, including: i) a CV; ii) a cover letter detailing your fit with the position and research themes; iii) a writing sample (e.g. Ph.D thesis or article); and iv) contact details of two possible referees. The deadline for full consideration is 14 August 2026.

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