Researcher (International) Legal History

The Department of Public Law and Governance at Tilburg University invites applicants for a postdoctoral researcher position within the Starter Grant project  Self-Determination and Recognition: The Colonial Constitution of the Independent Congolese state , led by Dr. Nora Timmermans.

The project
‘Self-determination’ and ‘recognition’ are quintessential legal and philosophical concepts pertaining to the existence of states, political communities, and other forms of collective entities and identities.

This project examines the paradoxical relation between collective self-constitution and constitutive recognition, through an engagement with the historical process of Belgium’s colonisation of what would become Congo Free State to the independence of the Congolese Republic from Belgian colonial rule. The engagement with perspectives and materials from this concrete colonial and decolonial context will provide the basis for critically interrogating prevailing legal and philosophical accounts of self-determination and recognition.

Situated at the intersections of legal philosophy, constitutional theory, postcolonial studies, and international legal history, the project will investigate how colonial and anticolonial contexts shape the constitution of legal orders, political communities and collective subjectivity itself.

Your position
As postdoctoral researcher within this project, you will conduct the selection, historical reconstruction and analysis of the political, constitutional, and international legal processes concerning the establishment of Congo Free State and the consecutive transition to an independent state. This includes:

• Conducting independent archival and historical research and analysis of constitutional, colonial, diplomatic, and international legal documents.
  • Among the topics of interest are the legal construction of colonial sovereignty in Congo Free State and Belgian Congo, the role of international recognition in the establishment of colonial authority, and the constitutional and international legal negotiations surrounding Congolese independence.
• Collaborating with the principal investigator in integrating historical findings into the broader theoretical framework of the project.
  • The postdoctoral researcher is expected to co-author at least one peer-reviewed academic article with the principal investigator;
• Co-coordinating and -organizing an international interdisciplinary conference in February 2027;
• Participating in the broader intellectual life of the Department of Public Law and Governance and the Global Law and Governance research program.

Requirements

As the project aims to combine rigorous historical research with broader theoretical reflection, the position is intended for an open-minded and collaborative senior researcher, who has

• A PhD in (legal) history or a related discipline, demonstrating a clear interest in colonial and decolonial contexts from the perspective of international and constitutional law and politics;
• A promising record of international peer-reviewed publications;
• Demonstrated research expertise in the legal and political history of colonial rule and decolonisation in Africa.
  • Specific experience in the Congolese colonial and postcolonial context and/or institutional links with Congolese research institutions are highly desirable;
• Affinity with collaborative and interdisciplinary research, especially at the intersection of international law, constitutional theory, legal and political philosophy, and/or postcolonial studies;
• A minimum of CEFR C1-level English across all competencies and C1-level French reading comprehension;
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Contract terms

Tilburg University offers excellent benefits in a pleasant working environment:

• A position based on 1 FTE (40 hours per week);
• A salary between €4,728 and €6,433 gross per month for full-time employment, based on UFO profile Researcher 3 and salary scale 11). Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system based on relevant education and work experience.
• This is a vacancy for a temporary position in accordance with Article 2.3 paragraph 5 sub b CLA DU. You will be given a temporary contract for the duration of 18 months.
• Vacation pay of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Over 8 weeks of vacation leave.
• Hybrid working with home working allowance (€2 p/day) and internet allowance (€25 p/month).
• Reimbursement for sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transport.
• An Options Model in which you exchange benefits for things such as additional leave, more pension, a bicycle or personal training at our Sports Center.
• 30% rule for international employees (if applicable).
• A pension with ABP; the most sustainable Dutch pension fund.
• Training in personal development, career development, leadership, education, and research or a language course at our Language Center.
• A work culture in which we embrace differences; everyone is welcome and given equal opportunities.
• A vibrant campus in green surroundings that is easily accessible by public transport.

For more information, please see our  website and the  CLA Dutch Universities .

Please note that Tilburg University requires employees to reside and work in the Netherlands, with the exception of cross-border workers. The successful candidate will therefore be expected to relocate, if necessary, to ensure regular on-campus presence. As this is a short-term appointment, relocation costs cannot be covered by Tilburg University.