Vacancy: doctoral researchers for ‘Unmasking Supply Chains’ project

23. February 2026

The ‘Unmasking Supply Chains’ project is hiring two doctoral researchers
(4 years, part-time, TVL-13)

The project Unmasking Supply Chains: leveraging digital human rights investigations for corporate accountability 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 European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) and based at the FAU Chair for Human Rights Politics. 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 International Doctorate Programme on Business and Human Rights and benefit from peer-exchange and training. Additionally, since January 2026 FAU leads the Excellence Cluster Transforming Human Rights, 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.  

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.

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.

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.

Download the vacancy here.

How to apply

To apply, please upload your application by 4 April 2026 (eod/CET) to the FAU online platform: https://www.fau-jobs.de/en/jobposting/55800582e13e65ebfe306ff89035e875cc22c1030/apply. 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: lene.guercke@fau.de.

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.