Two Doctoral Researchers for the 'Unmasking Supply Chains' project (4 years, part-time, TVL-13)

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We are looking for one doctoral researcher in Law and one doctoral researcher in Political Science to join the project "Unmasking Supply Chains: leveraging digital human rights investigations for corporate accountability". The project is an interdisciplinary research initiative conducted in partnership with the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) and based at the FAU Chair for Human Rights Politics. It explores the use of innovative digital open‑source information for human rights investigations and the evolving legal frameworks on human rights in supply chains, with the aim of advancing corporate accountability.

The research team at FAU, consisting of a principal investigator, two doctoral researchers and a technical expert, will develop open‑source fact‑finding techniques to trace supply chains and critically reflect on the potential and limitations of such technologies. In addition to traditional academic research, the team will establish a Supply Chain Investigations Lab to work with students on digital supply‑chain investigations. This role offers a unique opportunity to be associated with the International Doctorate Programme on Business and Human Rights and to connect with the Excellence Cluster Transforming Human Rights, a multi‑year research initiative involving 15 global partners.

Terms of Contract

You will be hired as a doctoral researcher for 4 years in accordance with the German TVL collective agreement (TVL‑13 at 65%, approximately €3,000 gross per month). Flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home are supported, but regular office attendance is expected. Expected start date: 1 October 2026.

Benefits

• Regular promotion to the next salary level and increases pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement for public servants of the German Länder (TV‑L) or remuneration under the Bavarian Public Servants Remuneration Act (BayBesG) plus an additional annual bonus.
• 30 days of annual leave on a five‑day work week with additional free days on 24 December and 31 December.
• Occupational pension scheme and asset‑accumulation savings scheme.

Responsibilities

• Conduct doctoral research on topics linked to human rights protection in supply chains, corporate accountability, supply‑chain traceability, and open‑source investigations for human rights.
• Actively participate in the Supply Chain Investigations Lab and coordinate student research assistants, working closely with the other doctoral researcher, a technical expert, and the principal investigator.
• Participate in project‑related training activities (e.g., on open‑source investigations).
• Organise two thematic workshops with experts related to the project’s research areas.
• Present work at academic conferences.
• Contribute to project‑related outcomes and publications.

Qualifications

• Completed master’s degree or equivalent in law, political science, or a similar discipline.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in other languages is an asset.
• Demonstrated interest in human rights.
• Previous experience or training in open‑source investigations is desirable.
• Previous experience in business and human rights is desirable.

Additional Skills

• Openness to inter‑disciplinary and trans‑disciplinary work.
• Curiosity.
• Ability to self‑organise and self‑motivate.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

How To Apply

To apply, please upload your application by 4 April 2026 (EOD CET). Applications sent by e‑mail will not be reviewed. Combine the following documents into a single PDF file and upload them in the “Attachments” section, indicating clearly which position you are applying for (Law/Political Science). All documents should be in English.

• Motivation letter (max. 1,000 words)
• Research proposal (max. 4 pages)
• Curriculum vitae with list of publications (if applicable)
• Contact details of two references
• Certificates of all university degrees and transcripts of records (in original language)

Virtual interviews with shortlisted candidates are expected to take place in early May 2026.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Lene Guercke:

Diversity

FAU pursues a policy of equal opportunities and excludes any form of discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from interested individuals regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, religion or belief, and socio‑economic background.

Application deadline:

Location: Philosophische Fakultät und Fachbereich Theologie, Kochstraße 4, 91054 Erlangen

Contact

• Email:
• Phone: 09131/

Notice: Friedrich‑Alexander‑Universität promotes equal professional opportunities for women. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.

Severely disabled persons as defined by the German Severely Disabled Persons Act will be given preferential consideration if they have the same professional qualifications and personal aptitude and if the advertised position is suitable for severely disabled persons. Details can be found in the respective job posting under “Remarks.”

At the applicant’s request, the Equal Opportunities Officer may be included in the job interview without any disadvantage to the applicant.

All advertised positions are generally suitable for part‑time work unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

Release date: