PhD Candidate in 'Climate change and causality'

The Private, Business & Labour Law department of Tilburg Law School is seeking a PhD candidate to investigate key legal issues related to causality in climate change lawsuits, emphasizing creative approaches to intricate liability problems. This role provides a chance to engage in significant legal research aimed at fostering a sustainable and equitable society. If you're eager to make a meaningful difference, apply today!

The PhD project

1. Background

Climate change litigation is on the rise, with a frequent focus on the issue of causality. Although large corporations collectively have a substantial impact on climate change, their individual contributions are smaller and part of a broader chain involving consumer-related emissions (Scope 3 emissions). This situation creates complex causal networks that complicate legal judgments about whether a direct causal link is strong enough to justify legal remedies. A notable example is the Dutch case Milieudefensie et al v Royal Dutch Shell plc [2024], where the court dismissed the claims due to insufficient causality. 

The legal community acknowledges these complexities, but the existing analyses are often too brief and limited. Causality is complex and provides important challenges, especially when small contributions to larger systems are involved. In defending against claims, an individual wrongdoer might argue the absence of significant personal contribution to the harm, a defense complicated by the presence of numerous larger contributors. Current legal doctrines struggle to adapt to these causality challenges in climate litigation.

2. Research project aims

The research project seeks to bridge the current gap in academic work through a thorough study of the relationship between climate change and causality, considering the increasing body of relevant case law. The PhD candidate will have the opportunity to shape her own research direction and questions within the scope of this project. Key areas of research might include:

• An exploration of how individual actions contribute to climate change and the implications for fault liability, or
• A study of specific legal doctrines and rules related to causality to determine if they can establish a causal connection, or alternatively, if they complicate climate change litigation. This aspect involves comparative legal research across different jurisdictions.

3. Research Program: Connecting Responsible Organizations

This PhD project aligns with the Research Program’s goal of contributing to sustainable society challenges. The Research Program emphasizes (private) regulatory challenges for a just and sustainable society, including the protection of vulnerable people and stakeholders. This includes fundamental legal questions in climate change challenges and the just transition. This PhD project lies squarely within this Research Program, particularly the theme of sustainability and more particularly the sub-topic ‘Responsibility and liability for environmental and (social) human rights impacts’. 

Requirements:

Tilburg University is curious about how you can contribute to our research, education, impact, and to the team you will be part of. Therefore, we would like to get the best possible picture of your knowledge, insight, skills, and personality. Below you can find the qualifications we consider important for the position.

As a successful candidate:

• You have an LLM degree (or equivalent qualification) in the field of private law or related area, preferably including knowledge of (comparative) tort law (or you will graduate before September 1st, 2025);
• You have a demonstrable interest in research, preferably (comparative) legal research in tort law and in the research topic outlined in this advertisement; 
• You have a high proficiency in English, allowing for effective communication and documentation’; 
• You acknowledge the importance of scientific integrity; 
• You have excellent communication skills, and if possible, also experience with presenting and/or lecturing, or you are willing to develop these presenting and lecturing skills during the PhD trajectory;
• You have team spirit: you feel part of a team and express this through collaboration, sharing knowledge and experiences, and contributing to an open, inclusive and diversified work environment at PBLL;
• You show personal leadership: you take responsibility for your work and career and possess a good level of self-knowledge;
• You are willing to perform your work in the Netherlands and are present at the Tilburg University campus during your PhD-trajectory. 

International PhD’s with scholarships below the IND income standard (€1,564) are unfortunately not eligible for this vacancy. 

Salary Benefits:

Tilburg University offers excellent benefits in a pleasant working environment: 

• A position based on 1.0 fte (40 hours per week); of which 80% is dedicated to research and 20% is dedicated to teaching. 
• A salary of € 2.901,- gross per month for full-time employment, based on UFO profile PhD and salary scale P-0. Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system based on relevant work experience. 
• This is a vacancy for a PhD in accordance with Article 2.3 paragraph 8 sub b CLA DU. You will initially be given a temporary contract for the duration of 18 months.
• Vacation pay of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. 
• Over 8 weeks of vacation leave. 
• The opportunity to work partly on campus and partly from home with a home office allowance of €2 per day.
• Reimbursement for sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transport. 
• A monthly internet allowance of €25.
• An options model in which you exchange benefits for things such as additional leave, more pension, a bicycle or personal training at our Sports Center.
• A moving allowance (subject to conditions). 
• Employees from abroad may be eligible for a tax-free allowance for extraterritorial expenses equal to 30% of taxable salary. 
• A pension with ABP; the largest Dutch pension fund.
• Training in personal development, career development, leadership, education, and research. Or a language course at our Language Center. 
• A work culture in which we embrace differences, everyone is welcome and given equal opportunities. 
• A vibrant campus in green surroundings that is easily accessible by public transport. 

For more information, see our website and the CLA Dutch Universities. 

40 hours per week

Warandelaan 2