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

Your Workplace

The project Unmasking Supply Chains: leveraging digital human rights investigations for corporate accountability is looking for one doctoral researcher in Law and one doctoral researcher in Political Science. You will both be part of an interdisciplinary research team for a project that sits at the intersection of academic research and human rights‑related investigative practice.

Unmasking Supply Chains is a trans‑ and interdisciplinary research project conducted in partnership with the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) and based at the FAU Chair for Human Rights Politics. The research connects two important areas of transformation in the human rights field: the innovative use of digital open‑source information for human rights investigations, and the expanding legal frameworks on human rights in supply chains, which offer new pathways towards corporate accountability. The project team at FAU – consisting of a principal investigator, two doctoral researchers and a technical expert – will explore the use of innovative open‑source fact‑finding techniques to trace supply chains and critically reflect on the potential and limitations of using open‑source technologies and information to advance corporate accountability. In addition to more traditional academic research, the project team will set up a Supply Chain Investigations Lab at FAU to work with students on digital supply chain investigations.

Beyond the project, this is an exciting time to join FAU if you have an interest in human rights research. As a doctoral researcher for the project, you will have the opportunity to be associated with the International Doctorate Programme on Business and Human Rights and benefit from peer‑exchange and training. Since January 2026 FAU leads the Excellence Cluster Transforming Human Rights, a multi‑year research initiative involving 15 partners from around the globe and four German institutions. You will be able to connect to ongoing research and activities in this international consortium.

Terms of Contract

You will be hired as a doctoral researcher for a period of 4 years in accordance with the German TVL (Collective Agreement for the public service) salary scale (TVL‑13 at 65%, approximately €3 000 gross per month). We support flexible working hours and allow working from home, but regular attendance at the office is expected. Expected start date: 1 October 2026.

Benefits: We Have a Lot to Offer

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

Your Tasks

• Conduct doctoral research on a topic related to the focus areas of Unmasking Supply Chains: 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 in close collaboration with the other doctoral researcher, a technical expert, and the principal investigator.
• Participate in project‑related training activities, for example on open‑source investigations.
• Organise two thematic workshops with experts related to the project’s research areas.
• Present your 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; other languages are an asset.
• Demonstrated interest in human rights.
• Previous experience or training in open‑source investigations desirable.
• Previous experience related to the field of business and human rights 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.

Please 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. 1000 words)
• Research proposal (max. 4 pages)
• CV with list of publications (if applicable)
• Contact details of 2 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.

The Application Process

• Apply online
• Automatic confirmation of receipt sent by e‑mail
• Place of employment views applications
• Invitation to first interview
• Optional invitation to second interview in person at FAU
• Is there a match?
• Employment documents prepared
• Consultation with Staff Council
• Commencement of employment – welcome to FAU

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.

Job Details

Title: Two Doctoral Researchers for the 'Unmasking Supply Chains' project (4 years, part‑time, TVL‑13)
Job start date:
Location: Philosophische Fakultät und Fachbereich Theologie, Kochstraße 4 4, 91054 Erlangen

Payment: TV‑L E 13 — TV‑L E
Working time: Part time, 26,00 hours/week
Limitation: Temporary employment until
Contact Dr. Lene Guercke
Email:
Phone: 09131/85‑26757