PhD Position in Civil Law, International and European Private Law, University of Bremen, Germany

Summary

The University of Bremen seeks a scientific staff member (PhD candidate) in the civil law research group. The part‑time position (50 % weekly, 19.6 h) is funded under TV‑L Entgeltgruppe E 13 for three years, with an annual gross salary ranging from €57,112 to €81,176 (full‑time equivalent). Responsibilities include teaching two lecture hours, supervising work groups, preparing teaching materials, conducting independent research toward a doctorate, and contributing to funded research projects. Applicants must hold the first legal state examination or an equivalent master‑level degree, demonstrate excellent German language skills, and preferably good English. The role offers a supportive work environment, flexible hours, mobile work, extensive benefits, and opportunities for further training and career development.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Bremen
Department	Fachbereich 6 – Rechtswissenschaft
Position Type	PhD position
Discipline	Law
Research Area	Civil Law, International and European Private Law, Civil Procedural Law, Comparative Law
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	German
Deadline	2026-11-08
Required Documents	Cover letter, Curriculum vitae, Qualification certificates, Transcripts
Employer Contact	ktrueprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de
Employer Address	Bibliothekstraße 1, 28359, Bremen

Key Responsibilities

• Teach two lecture hours per week, including preparation of teaching materials
• Supervise work groups and support students in bachelor, master and exam programmes
• Conduct independent research and write a doctoral dissertation
• Participate in research projects and apply for third‑party funding
• Contribute to academic self‑administration and other university tasks

Required Skills

• Ability to work independently and conduct careful scientific research
• Organisational and communication skills
• Very good oral and written expression in German
• Good English language skills (advantage)

Who Should Apply

Candidates who have passed the first legal state examination or hold an equivalent master‑level law degree, possess excellent written and spoken German, and are able to work independently on scientific research. Applicants in the final phase of their law studies are also considered. Good English skills are advantageous.

Benefits

• Annual gross salary between €57,112 and €81,176 (full‑time equivalent)
• Additional annual special payment (Christmas bonus)
• Pension scheme (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Open and appreciative work atmosphere
• Supportive team and positive operating climate
• Individual onboarding and training opportunities
• Flexible working hours (flexitime) and mobile work options
• Free social and family counselling services
• Corporate health management with sport‑club discounts
• Job‑ticket for public transport
• Various sports and cultural offers
• Canteen services in the student canteens

About the Employer

The University of Bremen is a medium‑size university with around 20,000 students and 3,500 staff. It ranks among Germany’s most research‑intensive institutions, emphasizing international cooperation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary research. The university hosts roughly 23,000 people on an international campus and promotes a family‑friendly, diverse, and inclusive environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

08 November 2026

What is the contract duration?

Three years

Which documents must be submitted?

A PDF containing a cover letter, curriculum vitae, qualification certificates and transcripts