The School of Law at Utrecht University, Netherlands, has invited applications for a fully funded interdisciplinary PhD position focusing on competition law enforcement in mixed markets. The doctoral project will examine the important research question: “Does competition law treat state-owned enterprises differently?”
The PhD offers an opportunity for researchers interested in competition law, economic regulation, state-owned enterprises, public policy and empirical legal research to undertake interdisciplinary research in an international academic environment.
About the PhD Research Project
The proposed research will investigate whether competition law enforcement operates differently when the undertaking involved is a state-owned enterprise.
State-owned enterprises play an important role in many economies and frequently operate alongside privately owned businesses. Their involvement in competitive markets raises important questions about competitive neutrality, regulatory treatment and the effectiveness of competition law.
The successful candidate will examine these issues using an interdisciplinary and mixed-methods approach. The research will combine data-driven methods with experimental and qualitative methodologies to study how competition law applies to state-owned enterprises and whether differences in ownership influence enforcement.
The project is expected to contribute to ongoing academic and policy debates concerning competition law and the role of the state in markets.
Expected Research Output
As part of the doctoral project, the selected candidate will be expected to produce four academic articles.
These articles should be suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals in competition law or competition policy. This article-based PhD structure provides researchers with an opportunity to develop a strong publication record during their doctoral studies.
The interdisciplinary nature of the project also provides scope for researchers to engage with methodologies and perspectives beyond traditional doctrinal legal research.
Duration and Location
The PhD position is offered for a period of four years.
The successful candidate will be based at the School of Law, Utrecht University, Netherlands.
Utrecht University is an internationally recognised research university, and the School of Law offers a broad research environment covering areas of law, governance, regulation and public policy.
Funding and Salary
This is a fully funded PhD position.
The successful candidate will work between 36 and 40 hours per week on a full-time basis.
The gross monthly salary will range from €3,204 to €4,051, depending on experience and in accordance with salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).
The position therefore provides both financial support for the duration of the doctoral research and employment within the Dutch university system.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity may be particularly suitable for candidates with an academic or professional background in competition law, economic law, commercial law, public law, regulation, European Union law or related fields.
Applicants interested in empirical and interdisciplinary legal research may find the project especially relevant because the PhD is not limited to traditional doctrinal analysis. The successful candidate will be expected to work with data-driven, experimental and qualitative research methods.
Candidates should also be comfortable developing independent research and producing high-quality academic writing for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Competition between state-owned and privately owned enterprises raises complex legal and economic questions. State ownership can create distinctive relationships between governments and market participants, making questions of competitive neutrality particularly important.
The Utrecht University PhD project provides an opportunity to examine these questions systematically and contribute to the academic understanding of how competition law functions in markets where public and private ownership coexist.
For aspiring academics and researchers seeking to build expertise in competition law and interdisciplinary legal research, the four-year project offers the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge while producing research intended for international academic publication.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications is:
1 October 2026
Interested candidates are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria, research expectations and application requirements before submitting their applications.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official Utrecht University recruitment portal.
Official Application Link:
Utrecht University – PhD Position: Competition Law Enforcement in Mixed Markets
Key Details
Position: Interdisciplinary PhD – Competition Law Enforcement in Mixed Markets
Research Question: Does competition law treat state-owned enterprises differently?
Institution: Utrecht University
School: School of Law
Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Duration: 4 years
Working Hours: 36–40 hours per week
Salary: €3,204–€4,051 gross per month
Research Method: Data-driven, experimental and qualitative methodologies
Expected Output: Four academic articles
Deadline: 1 October 2026
This fully funded doctoral position is a strong opportunity for candidates who want to pursue competition law research at the intersection of law, economics, empirical research and public policy while developing a publication-oriented academic career in Europe.
