Doctorate (PhD) Position in Theoretical Legal Sciences

Doctorate (PhD) Position in Theoretical Legal Sciences

The research project “Community Through Constitution. Researching how Constitutions Construct Identity and Legitimacy in Europe and MENA” (RECONCILE), funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant and hosted at the Institute for the Interregional Study of Constitutionalism, Faculty of Law, Charles University in Prague, is seeking a motivated candidate for a four-year, full-time PhD position.

About the Research Project

The project explores the socially integrative role of constitutions, focusing on the conditions under which constitutions foster the discursive formation of political communities. Your doctoral research will examine the nexus between constitutionalism and collective identity on a theoretical and philosophical level.

Your Tasks

  1. Conduct research on the functions and scope of constitutionalism.
  2. Conceptualize a discursive notion of collective identity.
  3.  Analyze the conditions necessary for a discursive construction of communities.
  4. Collaborate with the research team on project objectives.
  5. Develop your doctoral thesis within the project’s framework.
  6. Participate in team meetings and training sessions.
  7. Help organize seminars and conferences.

Your Profile

  1. A master’s degree in constitutional theory, political philosophy/theory, philosophy of law or related fields such as law, philosophy, or political science, with a theoretical focus on constitutionalism or collective identity.
  2. Expertise in one of the following areas is an advantage: critical theory (Hegel, Habermas, Foucault); or epistemology (e.g., intersubjectivity, discourse theory, 4E cognition, hermeneutics).
  3. A strong academic track record.
  4. Excellent academic writing skills.
  5. A team player with a high degree of autonomy.
  6. Proficiency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of Arabic is a plus.

What We Offer

  • A financially competitive salary.
  • Flexible working conditions.
  • An opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment.
  • Start date: October 2025

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents in a single PDF file by March 14, 2025:

  • A motivation letter.
  • Your CV.
  • A short writing sample.

Applications should be emailed to Jana Malucha (maluchaj@prf.cuni.cz).

Further Information

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview. Selected candidate(s) will need to apply to the Ph.D. program “Theoretical Legal Sciences – Law and Legal Theory in European Context” at the Faculty of Law at Charles University: https://www.prf.cuni.cz/en/phd-in-english

For further inquiries, please contact Volker Kaul (kaulv@prf.cuni.cz).