The Faculty of Law, Business, and Government at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria invites applications for the position of Associate Professor of Law, with primary assignment to the Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics (PPLE), fully taught in English.
Priority Research Areas:
In alignment with the Faculty's research development strategy, we particularly welcome candidates with expertise in the following areas (in order of priority):
Civil Law - with focus on contract law, property law, family law, or tort law.
Commercial Law - with focus on company law, corporate governance, business transactions, or international commercial law.
Position Responsibilities:
- Teach \"Foundations of Law,\" a required first-year College course for all undergraduate students across the Faculty's 10+ degree programs.
- Teach advanced law courses within the PPLE program and potentially other degree programs within the College.
- Design and deliver course materials that make legal concepts and reasoning accessible and relevant to students from diverse academic backgrounds (law, business, government, philosophy, politics, economics, etc.)
- Develop pedagogical approaches that integrate legal analysis with ethical reflection, philosophical foundations, and the pursuit of justice and the common good.
- Contribute to the interdisciplinary dialogue between law and other disciplines (philosophy, politics, economics, business) within the College model.
- Engage in research activities within their area of expertise, particularly in areas related to legal philosophy, natural law, human rights, or other approaches that ground law in human dignity and the common good.
- Supervise bachelor's theses and mentor students in their intellectual and personal development.
- Participate in College activities, including seminars, lectures, and academic events that bring together students and faculty from different programs.
- Collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to foster the College's interdisciplinary mission.
- Contribute to the development and enhancement of the law curriculum across the College.
- Represent the Faculty in academic forums and contribute to its visibility.
Required Qualifications:
Academic Background:
- PhD in Law, Legal Philosophy, or related field (completed).
- A truly interdisciplinary profile demonstrated by: holding a degree (undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral) in fields such as philosophy, political science, economics, theology, or other disciplines that complement law; or significant coursework and research engagement across multiple disciplines.
- Evidence of interdisciplinary work through publications, research projects, teaching experiences, or collaborative initiatives that bridge law with other fields.
- At least 8-10 years of combined teaching and research experience post-PhD, with a publication record that meets the requirements for Associate Professor level (Profesor Titular) in the Spanish accreditation system (ANECA).
- A strong publication record with emphasis on quality and impact, including publications in peer-reviewed journals (indexed when possible), significant working papers, and book chapters.
- Evidence of serious engagement with foundational questions in legal philosophy, jurisprudence, and/or approaches to law that emphasize justice, human dignity, and the common good.
Research Focus and Values:
- A researcher who demonstrates enthusiasm for approaching law from perspectives grounded in natural law, legal philosophy, human rights, Catholic Social Teaching, or related frameworks that prioritize human dignity and the common good.
- Research interests that go beyond purely technical or positivist legal analysis to engage with fundamental questions about justice, the nature of law, rights, and the relationship between law and morality.
- Openness to interdisciplinary dialogue and willingness to integrate insights from philosophy, theology, political science, and economics into legal analysis.
- A researcher who shares UFV's vision and values, particularly its commitment to truth, justice, the common good, and Christian humanism.
Research Experience:
- Sustained and active research engagement through a substantial publication record, regular presentations at academic conferences, and participation in research projects.
- Demonstrated commitment to a research agenda aligned with the mission of the university and the PPLE program.
- Active participation in research networks, institutes, or collaborative projects (national or international).
- Evidence of research leadership through directing or co-directing research projects, organizing conferences or workshops, or serving in editorial roles.
Supervision Experience:
- Extensive experience supervising or co-supervising bachelor's and master's theses.
- Experience mentoring students and guiding their intellectual and personal formation.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering students' critical thinking and their understanding of law as a discipline oriented toward justice and serving society.
- Track record of successful student mentorship and supervision.
Teaching Experience:
- Substantial experience teaching law at the undergraduate level, particularly introductory or foundational courses (minimum 5 years).
- Demonstrated ability to make legal concepts and reasoning accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds, including those without prior legal training.
- Experience teaching large, diverse cohorts in interdisciplinary or College model settings.
- Proven commitment to active learning methodologies and student-centered pedagogy.
- Experience with Experiential Learning and Real Challenges Based Learning methodologies is highly valued, as these form the bedrock of UFV's pedagogical model.
- Demonstrated experience teaching law from a perspective that emphasizes ethical reflection, justice, and the common good.
- Proven ability to design courses that serve both as foundational training for all students and as preparation for more advanced legal study.
- Strong track record of connecting legal theory to real-world challenges, practical application, and contemporary social issues.
Professional Experience:
- Demonstrated experience working in interdisciplinary academic environments, evidenced by collaborative research, interdisciplinary teaching, or participation in cross-disciplinary initiatives.
- Evidence of successful interdisciplinary collaboration through co-authored publications, joint research projects, or teaching in interdisciplinary programs.
- A well-established network of contacts in the field of specialty and active memberships in professional associations.
Language Requirements:
- High proficiency in English (C2 level or equivalent), evidenced by publications and/or teaching experience in English-speaking contexts, as the PPLE program is fully taught in English.
- Proficiency in Spanish is valued but not required; willingness to learn Spanish is expected.
Start Date:
September 2026 (academic year