Two Doctoral Researchers for the 'Unmasking Supply Chains' project (4 years, part-time, TVL-13)
Your workplace
The project 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 and based at the . 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 and benefit from peer-exchange and training. Additionally, since January 2026 FAU leads the Excellence Cluster , 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 3000€ 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.

Our benefits

• 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
RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 coordination of 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.

Your Profile
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.

Supplementary description
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

Application deadline

2026-04-04

Title

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

Job start date

2026-10-01

Payment

according to TV-L, E13

Working time

part time

Weekly working hours

26,00

### Temporary Contract yes

Further general conditions

Work location

Kochstraße 4 1
91054 Erlangen

Contact

Dr. Lene Guercke
Tel.: 09131/85-26757
Mobil:
lene.guercke@fau.de

Please apply via our online platform instead of sending applications by post or e-mail. Applications sent to us by post will not be returned.

With regard to the personal data collected during the application process, please refer to our information pursuant to Art. 13 and 14 of the General Data Protection Regulations at .

FAU is a modern, cosmopolitan and family-friendly employer. We welcome your application irrespective of your age, gender, cultural and social background, religion, ideological beliefs, disability or sexual identity. Applicants with a disability or who are considered to be equivalent to people with a disability will be given preference provided their aptitude, performance and capability are essentially the same. We are happy to offer part-time positions, provided a job-sharing arrangement means that the tasks in the area are fully covered.

If you wish, you may invite a person responsible for ensuring equal rights to accompany you to the job interview without incurring any disadvantages.