Doctoral, Postdoctoral, and Research Positions 2026: Academic and Research Opportunities in Europe
This post compiles current doctoral, postdoctoral, and research associate openings across leading European universities and research institutes in the fields of law, human rights, migration, governance, digital politics, sustainability, and history. Each opportunity offers structured research environments, competitive employment conditions, and strong international collaboration. The university listed:
- Lund University
- Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory
- Uppsala University
- Malmö University
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights
- University of Oxford
- Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI)
- The University of Manchester
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg
- Sciences Po
1. Doctoral Student in Human Rights
Institution: Lund University
Location: Lund, Sweden
Coverage: Fully funded doctoral position
Description:
This doctoral position is hosted by Lund University and focuses on human rights research within a strong interdisciplinary academic environment. The position combines independent doctoral research with participation in departmental academic life.
Key Details:
- Full-time doctoral employment
- Duration: 4 years
- Discipline: Human Rights / Law / Social Sciences
Deadline: 20.Dec.2025
How to Apply:
Click here to apply.
Applications must be submitted through Lund University’s recruitment portal via the official vacancy page.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
- Strong academic record and research proposal
- Proficiency in English
Benefits:
- Salary-based PhD employment
- Social security benefits under Swedish employment law
- Access to training, supervision, and international networks
Other Important Information:
The position is open to international applicants and follows Swedish doctoral employment regulations.
2. Doctoral Researchers – Centre for Legal History of India
Institution: Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory
Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Coverage: Funded doctoral positions
Description:
Doctoral researchers will be affiliated with the Centre for Legal History of India, conducting original research on South Asian legal history within a globally renowned research institute.
Key Details:
- Research-focused doctoral appointments
- International research environment
- Interdisciplinary legal history focus
Deadline: 6 January 2026
How to Apply:
Click here to apply.
Applications must be submitted online through the Max Planck Institute recruitment system.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in law, history, or related discipline
- Demonstrated interest in legal history
- Excellent English skills
Benefits:
- Competitive doctoral funding
- Research support and travel funding
- Access to Max Planck research infrastructure
Other Important Information:
The institute encourages applications from candidates worldwide.
3. Doctoral Student in Law
Institution: Uppsala University
Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Coverage: Fully funded doctoral employment
Description:
This position offers doctoral training in law within one of Europe’s oldest universities, supporting independent research aligned with the department’s academic priorities.
Key Details:
- Full-time PhD position
- Employment-based doctoral training
- Research-led academic environment
Deadline: 1 March 2026
How to Apply:
Click here to apply.
Apply via Uppsala University’s official recruitment portal.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Law
- Strong academic writing and research capacity
- English proficiency
Benefits:
- Monthly salary
- Pension and social benefits
- Structured doctoral training
Other Important Information:
Doctoral candidates are university employees under Swedish law.
4. Doctoral Student in International Migration and Ethnic Relations
Institution: Malmö University
Location: Malmö, Sweden
Coverage: Funded doctoral employment
Description:
The position is hosted by the Institute for Migration, Diversity and Welfare, focusing on migration, ethnicity, integration, and social inclusion.
Key Details:
- Full-time doctoral position
- Interdisciplinary research environment
Deadline: 18 January 2026
How to Apply:
Click here to apply.
Apply through Malmö University’s recruitment system.
Requirements:
- Relevant Master’s degree
- Research proposal aligned with IMER themes
Benefits:
- Salary and employment benefits
- Research training and international exposure
Other Important Information:
Open to international applicants.
5. Postdoctoral Researcher in Disinformation and European Democracy
Institution: Maastricht University
Location: Maastricht, Netherlands
Coverage: Fully funded, 4-year postdoctoral position
Description:
This position examines disinformation and democratic processes in Europe, combining legal, political, and digital governance perspectives.
Key Details:
- Long-term postdoctoral appointment
- Interdisciplinary research team
Deadline: 7 January 2026
How to Apply:
Click here to apply.
Apply online via Maastricht University’s vacancy portal.
Requirements:
- PhD in relevant social science or legal discipline
- Strong publication record
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Research funding and international collaboration
Other Important Information:
Position offers long-term research stability.
6. Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sustainable Business Law
Institution: University of Oxford
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Coverage: Funded postdoctoral fellowship
Description:
The fellowship focuses on sustainable business law, corporate accountability, and regulatory frameworks within a world-leading law faculty.
Key Details:
- Fixed-term research fellowship
- High-level academic environment
Deadline: 12 January 2026
How to Apply:
Click here to apply.
Applications submitted via the University of Oxford recruitment system.
Requirements:
- PhD in law
- Expertise in business or sustainability law
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Research support and institutional prestige
Other Important Information:
Suitable for early-career legal scholars.
7. Two Postdoctoral Research Fellows – ERC Hashtag Wars Project
Institution: Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI)
Location: Bergen, Norway.
Coverage: Funded postdoctoral positions
Description:
These roles contribute to an ERC-funded project examining digital politics, social media, and conflict.
Key Details:
- Two postdoctoral positions
- ERC-funded international research project
Deadline: 1st March 2026
How to Apply:
Click here to apply.
Submit applications via Jobbnorge.
Requirements:
- PhD in relevant discipline
- Experience with digital or political research
Benefits:
- Competitive Norwegian academic salary
- Research funding and collaboration
Other Important Information:
International applicants are welcome.
8. Hallsworth Research Fellowships in Humanities
Institution: University of Manchester
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Coverage: Funded research fellowships
Description:
Prestigious fellowships supporting independent humanities research.
Key Details:
- Fixed-term fellowship
- Humanities disciplines
Deadline: 16 January 2026
How to Apply:
Click here to apply.
Apply through the University of Manchester jobs portal.
Requirements:
- PhD in humanities discipline
- Strong research proposal
Benefits:
- Salary and research funding
- Academic independence
Other Important Information:
Highly competitive selection process.
9. Postdoctoral Research Associate in Environmental and Sustainability Governance
Institution: Leuphana University of Lüneburg
Location: Lüneburg, Germany
Coverage: Funded postdoctoral position
Description:
Focus on democratic innovations, sustainability governance, and environmental policy.
Key Details:
- Research and teaching components
Deadline: 10 January 2026
How to Apply:
Click here to apply.
Apply via Leuphana University recruitment portal.
Requirements:
- PhD in relevant field
Benefits:
- Salary and research support
Other Important Information:
Interdisciplinary research encouraged.
10. Postdoctoral Fellowship – Spanish Civil War
Institution: Sciences Po
Location: Paris, France
Coverage: ERC-funded postdoctoral fellowship
Description:
This fellowship supports historical research on the Spanish Civil War within an ERC-funded project.
Key Details:
- Postdoctoral research position
- History and conflict studies focus
Deadline: 15 January 2026
How to Apply:
Click here to apply.
Follow application instructions in the official PDF call.
Requirements:
- PhD in history or related discipline
Benefits:
- ERC-funded salary
- Research travel and dissemination support
Other Important Information:
Open to international scholars.
This consolidated opportunity post highlights 13 funded doctoral, postdoctoral, and research positions across Europe in law, human rights, migration, governance, digital democracy, sustainability, and history. These roles offer competitive funding, strong institutional support, and access to international research networks, making them highly suitable for early-career researchers seeking impactful academic careers.
For more opportunities, click here.
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