Postdoctoral Researcher Opportunity in International Law and Value Collisions Research The Centre for Fundamental Rights is inviting applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher position within the groundbreaking COLLISIONS project. The appointment will begin on 1 September 2026 and will run for a fixed two-year term. Based at the Hertie School, the successful candidate will work closely with Professor Violeta Moreno-Lax while contributing to research and teaching in the field of international law. About the COLLISIONS Project The COLLISIONS project explores how competing values shape legal and political systems in today’s most pressing global challenges. Issues such as armed conflict, migration, climate change, and international security often generate clashes between human rights, environmental protections, and humanitarian priorities. These value conflicts influence governance systems, shape public opinion, affect judicial decisions, and may even contribute to democratic backlash. Through an in-depth examination of international adjudication, the project investigates how international courts and United Nations Treaty bodies identify, define, prioritize, and resolve competing values. The research specifically focuses on how legal reasoning determines which values matter, whose interests are protected, and how conflicts between values are addressed within international law. Funded by the Wübben Foundation, the project aims to contribute to a more resilient and responsive international legal order grounded in shared values and human rights principles. Key Responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Researcher The role offers an exceptional opportunity for an early-career legal scholar to develop a strong academic profile in the field of international law and value conflicts. The selected researcher will focus on one of two major thematic areas: Armed conflict Climate change Working in collaboration with Professor Violeta Moreno-Lax, the researcher will contribute to both individual and collaborative research outputs throughout the duration of the project. Primary responsibilities include: Conducting Advanced Legal Research The researcher will undertake postdoctoral-level legal research examining how international courts and UN Treaty bodies resolve conflicts between competing values. This includes analysing jurisprudence from institutions such as: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) Regional human rights courts United Nations Treaty bodies The research will focus on understanding judicial reasoning and the role values play in shaping international legal outcomes. Supporting Research Activities and Events The successful candidate will assist in organising project-related events, workshops, conferences, and public engagement activities. Participation in both internal and external academic events will also form an important part of the role. Contributing to Teaching and Academic Life In addition to research duties, the position includes teaching responsibilities within the Hertie School’s Master of International Affairs (MIA) programme. The researcher will contribute to international law teaching and develop a course linked to their expertise and ongoing project research. The candidate will also actively participate in the wider academic community of the Centre for Fundamental Rights. Candidate Requirements The Centre is seeking a highly motivated scholar with an outstanding academic background and strong expertise in international law, human rights, and judicial reasoning. Applicants should possess: A completed or imminently expected doctorate in law, politics, or a related discipline Demonstrated expertise in international courts, regional human rights systems, or UN Treaty bodies Strong research skills and the ability to conduct independent scholarly work Previous academic publications relevant to the field Teaching experience, particularly in international law Excellent presentation and communication abilities Proven experience working in multidisciplinary and international research environments Fluency in English, both written and spoken Special consideration will be given to candidates with research interests related to armed conflict or climate change within the context of international legal systems. Benefits and Working Environment The Centre for Fundamental Rights offers a dynamic and internationally diverse working environment designed to support academic growth and work-life balance. Benefits include: 30 days of paid annual leave Flexible working hours Mobile and remote working opportunities Up to 20 days of workation options Commuter ticket support Excellent transport connections An inclusive and international workplace culture Application Process and Deadline Interested applicants are required to submit the following documents in a single PDF file: Curriculum Vitae (CV) Cover letter outlining research plans, project interest, and suitability for the role Two writing samples Contact details for two academic references Applications must be submitted by 21 June 2026. Interviews are expected to take place between 6 and 7 July 2026. Candidates seeking additional information about the position may contact Professor Violeta Moreno-Lax, Director of the Centre for Fundamental Rights and Professor of International Law. This postdoctoral opportunity represents an excellent chance for emerging scholars to contribute to internationally significant research examining how legal systems navigate complex value conflicts in an increasingly polarized world. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding