UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1, UCD School of Law

Applications are invited for a temporary post of a Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Law. UCD seeks to employ a Post-Doctoral Researcher (PDR) for RIGHTS TO UNITE, a research project funded by an ERC Advanced Grant led by Prof Dagmar Schiek, for a duration of three years, starting on 1 December 2025 (1 January 2026 the latest). The RIGHTS TO UNITE Project aims to generate a new socio-legal theory of European integration based on citizens' experience of European integration through rights, and to explore its viability through qualitative research using liberal/economic, social and digital rights as fields of research. Its multi-level comparison encompasses smaller states in the EU and its neighbourhood, more specifically four EU countries (Ireland, Czech Republic, Greece and Sweden) and four neighbourhood states (Northern Ireland, Norway, North Macedonia and Georgia). The qualitative comparison uses expert interviews to identify barriers and enablers of using EU-derived rights as well as the experts' assessment of how practical the intended effects may be. In a second step, lay-persons perception of and experience with EU derived rights are explored by using visualised scenarios potentially relevant for the usage of economic/liberal, social and/or digital rights derived from EU Treaties or Association Agreements. Focus groups will be conducted as citizens' meetings mimicking citizens' assemblies. The PDR joins the project in its third year, complementing the team consisting of the Principal Investigator, a Postdoctoral researcher, two research associates, four PhD researchers and a research project administrator (0.5 FTE). For this Postdoctoral Researcher position, we are looking for a highly motivated and qualified researcher with a strong profile in European Studies (sociology, legal studies, political science, industrial relations or another relevant field). The candidate must have experience in qualitative comparative research, such as focus groups and expert interviews, and an understanding of socio-legal comparison. You will be academically fluent in English, and familiar with the most important theories of European integration, including those focusing on integration through law and the role of rights. Excellent academic communication skills are essential. While the working language of the project is English, additional knowledge of any of the languages of the target countries of our project will be an advantage. Salary Range: €46,305 - €46,905 Per Annum Appointment on the above range will be dependent on qualifications and experience Closing date: 12:00 noon (local Irish time) on 19/11/2025. Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 12:00 noon (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications. UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned. The PD1 position is intended for early stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process click the Apply button below to Login/Register.