German universities offer wonderful chances to academic career in public and international law for all the legal scholars and graduates. Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Faculty of Law has an opening for a Research Associate (Public Law) in the Chair of Public law, international law and European law supervised by Prof. Dr.
Isabelle Ley.
This position gives the researcher an access to an internationalized research environment while carrying out her Ph.D. Or academic qualification.
About the position
Part-time (50%) Research Associate will be hired for three years fixed term. This is a newly established Chair of public law, international law and European law. The Associate will be involved in the teaching and research of the Chair.
The Chair’s primary fields are international institutions and courts; developments in international law; international law on the use of force; arms control regulation; EU constitutional law, European democracy; foreign trade law; foreign constitutional law of Germany and military constitutional law of Germany; and the theory of law.
Key duties and responsibilities:
The Researcher Assistant is expected to support in the lecturing and research activities that are part of the Professorship’s areas. The assistant would support the lecturing, contribute to the research works as well as assist in developing the newly established Professorship.
Furthermore, the Research Associate will support in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, one of the most prestigious international moot court competitions in the world. The applicant is also supported by the time granted as well as institutional resources to obtain his/her own academic qualification.
Essential and desirable qualifications:
Law degree with results of at least ‘good’ and passing of First or Second State examination (in Germany) or a Law Master’s degree awarded either in Germany or abroad.
At least basic knowledge in public international law, EU law, comparative public law or constitutional theory would be advantageous. Knowledge of good English (speaking and writing) is required whereas fluency in other languages may be regarded as an asset. Enthusiastic interest in academic research and contribution on new ideas for seminars, workshops, other academic events would be welcomed.
Benefits:
The university offers a supporting environment of high research excellence. The Associate will work with a highly qualified research team. Candidates may participate in various projects, workshops and guest lectures, and visits to international organizations and courts.
The gross salary is under the German salary scale for academic staff (TV-L Pay Group 13) as per qualification. The salary benefits would be 30 days of paid annual leave as well as days off for the Christmas period, i.e. December 24 th and December 31 st, comprehensive pedagogical training programmes, family-friendly supporting actions and facilities, public sport amenities, health promotion programmes and pension.
Working arrangements at home office can be made when applicable by agreement. However, during lecture terms two to three days a week attendance at the university would be expected for the lecturing duties, meetings and other academic events.
Deadline: 15 August 2026
How to apply: Candidates are to apply via the university’s online application form. Applicants must prepare their cover letter to be submitted together with other necessary documents as one single PDF.
Apply here:
https://jobs.uni-jena.de/jobposting/7a81cb6e5c7f2002140948bf28703c2dc8331dba0
Why is this position interesting:
The opportunity to join Friedrich Schiller University Jena as a Research Associate is a fantastic opportunity to lay the foundation for academic careers on public international law, EU law, and constitutional theory, specifically among graduates and early-career legal scholars. The chance to learn under the supervision of prominent researchers while completing a doctoral degree is one of the most appealing prospects of this position.
SEO title: Research Associate in Public Law, University of Jena, Germany – Apply by 15 August 2026
Meta description: Academic position available at Friedrich Schiller University Jena for a Research Associate (Public Law) on a 3-year, 50% contract. Explore teaching, research, and Ph.D. Opportunities. TV-L 13 salary. Apply by Aug 15, 2026.
