
In EU law, legislative power is often delegated to the European Commission. In the field of migration law, this possibility has increased with the adoption of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum in 2024.
This vacancy is part of a VIDI project funded by the Dutch National Research Council (NWO) entitled 'Executive supremacy? Executive lawmaking in migration law'. This project aims to map the scope of executive legislation in migration law in Europe and to critically interrogate its normative legitimacy.
The postdoc in this project conducts research into lawmaking by the European Commission in the field of migration and asylum law. This research is both empirical (what is the scope) and normative (is it sufficiently constrained to minimize the potential for arbitrary power). In addition, the postdoc will participate in the coordination and management of the project as well as in the organization of societal and scientific impact activities.
The appointment will initially be for one year. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, it will be extended by two years to a total duration of three years.
Your duties
As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.
A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:
Amsterdam Centre for Migration and Refugee Law (ACMRL)
The Amsterdam Centre for Migration and Refugee Law (ACMRL) at VU Amsterdam is one of the world's largest research centres in the field migration and refugee law. It conducts research on topics such as asylum law and family migration, actively contributes to public debate and government advisory committees, and publishes accessible legal insights on topical issues of migration law on Verblijfblog.nl. The Centre also offers an international master’s track (LL.M) on International Migration and Refugee Law, runs a Migration Law Clinic that provides expert legal advice, and provides postgraduate courses for practising lawyers.
Faculty of Law
At the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s Faculty of Law we train lawyers and criminologists to develop sharp critical minds, with a strong focus on the societal relevance of law. We offer Bachelor’s programmes in four main fields: Law, Notarial Law, Law in Society and Criminology. In addition, we offer an extensive range of Master’s programmes as well as contract education (for non-student visitors). Much of our research is both international and multidisciplinary in character.
Our teaching and research embody the values of cooperation and diversity. We encourage each other to view problems from different perspectives, to think critically, develop a broader mind and arrive at creative legal solutions together.
Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Law? You will work in an active and inspiring academic environment. Together with your colleagues, you will contribute to the excellence of teaching and research in a pleasant and collegial working environment. You will join over 400 staff members responsible for a student body of 4,500.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.
We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.
Are you interested in this position? We invite you to apply by submitting the following documents:
Motivation letters and research outlines generated with AI language tools will not be considered.
Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.
The (first round of) interviews will be held on 17/18 December 2026. The start date is 1 April 2027 at the latest.
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

In EU law, legislative power is often delegated to the European Commission. In the field of migration law, this possibility has increased with the adoption of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum in 2024.
This vacancy is part of a VIDI project funded by the Dutch National Research Council (NWO) entitled 'Executive supremacy? Executive lawmaking in migration law'. This project aims to map the scope of executive legislation in migration law in Europe and to critically interrogate its normative legitimacy.
The postdoc in this project conducts research into lawmaking by the European Commission in the field of migration and asylum law. This research is both empirical (what is the scope) and normative (is it sufficiently constrained to minimize the potential for arbitrary power). In addition, the postdoc will participate in the coordination and management of the project as well as in the organization of societal and scientific impact activities.
The appointment will initially be for one year. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, it will be extended by two years to a total duration of three years.
Your duties
As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.
A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:
Amsterdam Centre for Migration and Refugee Law (ACMRL)
The Amsterdam Centre for Migration and Refugee Law (ACMRL) at VU Amsterdam is one of the world's largest research centres in the field migration and refugee law. It conducts research on topics such as asylum law and family migration, actively contributes to public debate and government advisory committees, and publishes accessible legal insights on topical issues of migration law on Verblijfblog.nl. The Centre also offers an international master’s track (LL.M) on International Migration and Refugee Law, runs a Migration Law Clinic that provides expert legal advice, and provides postgraduate courses for practising lawyers.
Faculty of Law
At the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s Faculty of Law we train lawyers and criminologists to develop sharp critical minds, with a strong focus on the societal relevance of law. We offer Bachelor’s programmes in four main fields: Law, Notarial Law, Law in Society and Criminology. In addition, we offer an extensive range of Master’s programmes as well as contract education (for non-student visitors). Much of our research is both international and multidisciplinary in character.
Our teaching and research embody the values of cooperation and diversity. We encourage each other to view problems from different perspectives, to think critically, develop a broader mind and arrive at creative legal solutions together.
Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Law? You will work in an active and inspiring academic environment. Together with your colleagues, you will contribute to the excellence of teaching and research in a pleasant and collegial working environment. You will join over 400 staff members responsible for a student body of 4,500.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.
We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.
Are you interested in this position? We invite you to apply by submitting the following documents:
Motivation letters and research outlines generated with AI language tools will not be considered.
Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.
The (first round of) interviews will be held on 17/18 December 2026. The start date is 1 April 2027 at the latest.
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.
Sollicitatie ontvangen
Wij hebben je sollicitatie goed ontvangen. We streven ernaar om je zo snel mogelijk een eerste reactie te geven. Normaal gesproken is dat twee weken na het verstrijken van de deadline.
Screening CV
Een selectiecommissie beoordeelt of je voldoet aan de gestelde wensen/eisen voor de vacature. Bij een positieve beoordeling nodigen we je uit voor een eerste (hybride) sollicitatiegesprek.
1e Gesprek
2e Gesprek
Voor het tweede gesprek vragen we je meestal om naar onze VU campus te komen.
In dienst
Welkom je bent in dienst bij de Vrije Universiteit!!






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