Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin (w/m/d) – Promotionsstelle am Institut für Energiewirtschaftsrecht bei der Universität zu Köln – Köln, Deutschland

Summary

The University of Cologne is seeking a Research Assistant / PhD Candidate (w/m/d) at the Institute for Energy Law (EWIR) under Prof. Körber. The position begins on January 1, 2027, and is limited until March 31, 2029, with a part-time schedule of 19.92 hours per week. Duties include collaborating on research and teaching, organizing workshops and conferences, conducting tutorial classes in civil law (BGB), and pursuing a doctorate (preferably in Energy Law, Antitrust Law, or Telecommunications Law). Applicants must hold at least one German law state examination with distinction (Prädikat) and possess English skills for research. Remuneration follows TV-L E13. Applications must be submitted online by October 31, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Rechtswissenschaftliche Fakultät, Institut für Energiewirtschaftsrecht
Position Type	PhD / Research Assistant
Discipline	Law
Research Area	Energy Law, Antitrust Law, Telecommunications Law
Degree Required	First State Examination in Law
Experience	Prior relevant knowledge is advantageous but not mandatory.
Salary	Pay group 13 TV-L, subject to qualification and collective agreement terms
Funding	Salary based on TV-L E13
Contract Duration	From January 1, 2027 to March 31, 2029
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-31
Required Documents	Meaningful application documents including certificates/proof of qualifications without application photo
Employer Contact	Frau Raïna Peternek ([email protected])

About the Project

The position involves doctoral research supervised by Prof. Körber at the Institute for Energy Law, with focus options including Energy Law, Antitrust Law, or Telecommunications Law, alongside general research activities at the institute and chair.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate in research and teaching at the Institute for Energy Law (EWIR) and Chair Körber
• Assist in organizing and executing workshops and conferences
• Pursue a doctorate under Prof. Körber, preferably in energy law, antitrust law, or telecommunications law
• Conduct independent research and teaching (study groups/tutorials in German Civil Law – BGB)

Required Skills

• At least one state examination in law (§ 5 DRiG) with distinction (Prädikat)
• Interest in energy law and other research areas of the institute
• English language skills for research
• Openness to interdisciplinary approaches

Who Should Apply

Law graduates who have passed at least one state examination in law with honors (Prädikat), have an interest in energy law, antitrust law, or telecommunications law, possess English research skills, and are open to interdisciplinary approaches.

Benefits

• Opportunity for a doctorate under Prof. Körber
• Diverse and equal-opportunity work environment
• Support for work-life balance
• Flexible working hour models
• Extensive further training options
• Occupational health management offers
• Option for mobile working

About the Employer

The University of Cologne is one of Europe's largest and oldest universities and a major regional employer, offering diverse career opportunities across fields in a central Cologne location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 31, 2026.

What degree is required for this position?

Applicants must have at least one legal state examination (juristisches Staatsexamen) passed with distinction (Prädikat).

Is this a full-time position?

No, it is a part-time position consisting of 19.92 hours per week.

When does the position start and how long does it last?

The position starts on January 1, 2027, and is fixed-term until March 31, 2029.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

You can contact Ms. Raïna Peternek at [email protected].