Key Skills

Job Description

Tilburg University | Tilburg Law School is looking for a Postdoc in Investor Stewardship and Shareholder Engagement Department: Private, Business & Labour Law Hybrid or On site: Tilburg (hybrid) Contract size: 1.0 fte (40 hours per week) Full-time gross monthly salary: € 4.925,= – € 6.682,= Contract duration: 24 months Intended start date: 1 February 2027 When does shareholder engagement actually make a difference, and for whom? Tilburg Law School is looking for a postdoctoral researcher who wants to answer this question, using, inter alia, empirical data on how institutional investors engage with listed companies. We explicitly welcome candidates with a background in finance, economics, business ethics or management, as well as candidates with a legal background, as long as you can do empirical research. Your position Stewardship has become the dominant framework for institutional investors' governance and sustainability responsibilities. Stewardship codes worldwide codify it, and policymakers (including in the EU through the Shareholder Rights Directive) rely on shareholder engagement to improve corporate governance and sustainability. Research mostly studies (public) engagement tools in isolation and measures success narrowly, as value for clients and beneficiaries. In this project, you will study engagement as a continuous, relational process rather than as a set of separate tools. You will examine how engagement trajectories unfold, from the first contact and private dialogue to escalation and voting, and what makes engagement successful. Central questions may include, for instance: What constitutes successful engagement and stewardship, both from the perspective of clients and beneficiaries and from that of the corporate governance system as a whole? Which combinations of conditions (such as target company, theme, tools, timing and individual versus collective engagement) lead to successful engagement? How does the way investors communicate (argumentation, tone and framing) shape whether engagement works, and why? The project combines conceptual and normative analysis with empirical methods. Depending on your expertise, these may include configurational analysis (e.g., QCA), regression analysis, (computational) text analysis and coding of engagement communication, interviews and case studies. You will work in a small interdisciplinary team with Prof. Anne Lafarre and Prof. Christoph Van der Elst (Tilburg Law School). The position is part of a growing line of research on investor stewardship and shareholder engagement within the research program Connecting Responsible Organizations, with close ties to practice. You are expected to publish in international peer-reviewed journals, present your work at international conferences, and contribute to output that is relevant for investors, companies and policymakers. There is room to develop your own research ideas within the theme. Your profile You hold a PhD (or will have completed it by the start date) in finance, economics, business ethics, management or organization studies, corporate law, or a related discipline. You have demonstrable experience with empirical research (quantitative and/or qualitative). You have a strong interest in corporate governance, institutional investors, stewardship and/or corporate sustainability. If you have a legal background, you are eager to work with empirical methods; if you have a background in economics, finance, business or organizational studies, you are curious about (corporate) legal and normative questions. You have a track record, or clear potential, of publishing in international peer-reviewed journals, in line with your career stage. You have excellent command of English (at least CEFR level C1). Mastering Dutch is not a prerequisite, but reading proficiency is an advantage for studying the Dutch corporate governance landscape. You can work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team, you enjoy engaging with practitioners, and you handle confidential data with care and integrity. Our offer Tilburg University offers excellent benefits in a pleasant working environment: Employment of 1.0 fte (40 hours per week). Salary between € 4.925,= and € 6.682,= gross per month for full-time employment (UFO-profile Researcher 3, salary scale 11). Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system based on relevant work experience. This is a vacancy for a temporary position in accordance with Article 2.3 paragraph 5 of the CLA for Dutch universities. You will receive a temporary employment contract for 2 years. Vacation pay of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Over 8 weeks of vacation leave. Hybrid working with home working allowance (€2 p/day) and internet allowance (€25 p/month). Reimbursement sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transport. Options model for additional leave, pension, a bicycle or personal training. Moving allowance (subject to conditions). 30% rule for international employees (if applicable). Pension through ABP. Ample training offer: personal development, leadership, education, research or language courses. Inclusive work culture: everyone welcome, equal opportunities. A green, inviting campus that’s easily accessible by public transport. For more information, please see our website and the CLA Dutch Universities. Want to know more? Would you like to know more before applying? Feel free to contact Prof. dr. Anne Lafarre at [email protected]. Want to apply? We kindly invite you to apply before 29 November 2026; this can only be done online. Address your cover letter to Prof. dr. Anne Lafarre and attach your resume, a list of publications, one writing sample (e.g. a published article or working paper) and the names and contact details of two referees. We only approach referees for candidates who make it to the second selection round. We look forward to your response. The letter selection will take place by the 11th of December. You will be notified as soon as possible thereafter. The first selection interviews will take place in week 51(16 December 2026) and the second in week 1 (4 January 2027). The selection committee consists of: Prof. dr. Anne Lafarre, Professor of Corporate Law, Tilburg University (chair) Prof. dr. Christoph Van der Elst, Professor of Business Law, Tilburg University You will ideally start working for Tilburg University on 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible afterwards. This vacancy has been published simultaneously internally and externally. In case of equal suitability, our preference is for an internal candidate. Are you an internal candidate and would you like to know more about applying for an internal position? Please check the intranet for the relevant conditions: Internal vacancies and job applications | Tilburg University About Tilburg University Tilburg University is the university in the humanities and social sciences. Ever since our foundation in 1927, we have been committed to a just, inclusive, and sustainable society. With leading research and inspiring education, we contribute to the interpretation and, where possible, solutions to current societal issues, from climate change to digitalization Our community is personal, engaged, and small-scale. On our green, compact, and vibrant campus there is room for encounter, collaboration, reflection, and personal growth. Read more about Tilburg University. Working at Tilburg University means working in an inclusive team with attractive employment conditions. At Tilburg University, you will receive ample opportunities to strengthen your talents and develop your career, in a warm working atmosphere where we attach great importance to the following values: curious, connected, caring, and courageous. About Tilburg Law School (TLS) Founded in 1963, Tilburg Law School has grown into a leading School of law and public administration. Our education and research have a clearly innovative and interdisciplinary character. In doing so, we are driven by our mission to effectively influence challenging societal developments such as new technology, sustainability, and vulnerable individuals in the rule of law from the perspective of law and public administration. We act from local, regional, national, and international developments and collaborate with other disciplines such as economics, the behavioral and social sciences, philosophy, history, and digital sciences. The School is organized into five Departments: Public Law & Governance; Private, Business, and Labor Law; Criminal Law; Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology & Society; and Tax Law. About the Department of Private, Business & Labour Law The Department of Private, Business & Labour Law (PBLL) consists of approximately a hundred researchers, lecturers and staff engaged in education and research in private law in its broadest sense. Research in the department is organised in the research programme Connecting Responsible Organizations, which focuses on sustainability and technology. Research on corporate law and governance in the department combines doctrinal, law-and-economics and empirical approaches, and has close ties with TILEC (Tilburg Law and Economics Center) and with practice, including institutional investors, investor organisations and policymakers. The inspiring and open culture makes working here a pleasure. Tilburg University | Tilburg Law School is looking for a Postdoc in Investor Stewardship and Shareholder Engagement Department: Private, Business & Labour Law Hybrid or On site: Tilburg (hybrid) Contract size: 1.0 fte (40 hours per week) Full-time gross monthly salary: € 4.925,= – € 6.682,= Contract duration: 24 months Intended start date: 1 February 2027 When does shareholder engagement actually make a difference, and for whom? Tilburg Law School is looking for a postdoctoral researcher who wants to answer this question, using, inter alia, empirical data on how institutional investors engage with listed companies. We explicitly welcome candidates with a background in finance, economics, business ethics or management, as well as candidates with a legal background, as long as you can do empirical research. Your position Stewardship has become the dominant framework for institutional investors' governance and sustainability responsibilities. Stewardship codes worldwide codify it, and policymakers (including in the EU through the Shareholder Rights Directive) rely on shareholder engagement to improve corporate governance and sustainability. Research mostly studies (public) engagement tools in isolation and measures success narrowly, as value for clients and beneficiaries. In this project, you will study engagement as a continuous, relational process rather than as a set of separate tools. You will examine how engagement trajectories unfold, from the first contact and private dialogue to escalation and voting, and what makes engagement successful. Central questions may include, for instance: What constitutes successful engagement and stewardship, both from the perspective of clients and beneficiaries and from that of the corporate governance system as a whole? Which combinations of conditions (such as target company, theme, tools, timing and individual versus collective engagement) lead to successful engagement? How does the way investors communicate (argumentation, tone and framing) shape whether engagement works, and why? The project combines conceptual and normative analysis with empirical methods. Depending on your expertise, these may include configurational analysis (e.g., QCA), regression analysis, (computational) text analysis and coding of engagement communication, interviews and case studies. You will work in a small interdisciplinary team with Prof. Anne Lafarre and Prof. Christoph Van der Elst (Tilburg Law School). The position is part of a growing line of research on investor stewardship and shareholder engagement within the research program Connecting Responsible Organizations, with close ties to practice. You are expected to publish in international peer-reviewed journals, present your work at international conferences, and contribute to output that is relevant for investors, companies and policymakers. There is room to develop your own research ideas within the theme. Your profile You hold a PhD (or will have completed it by the start date) in finance, economics, business ethics, management or organization studies, corporate law, or a related discipline. You have demonstrable experience with empirical research (quantitative and/or qualitative). You have a strong interest in corporate governance, institutional investors, stewardship and/or corporate sustainability. If you have a legal background, you are eager to work with empirical methods; if you have a background in economics, finance, business or organizational studies, you are curious about (corporate) legal and normative questions. You have a track record, or clear potential, of publishing in international peer-reviewed journals, in line with your career stage. You have excellent command of English (at least CEFR level C1). Mastering Dutch is not a prerequisite, but reading proficiency is an advantage for studying the Dutch corporate governance landscape. You can work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team, you enjoy engaging with practitioners, and you handle confidential data with care and integrity. Our offer Tilburg University offers excellent benefits in a pleasant working environment: Employment of 1.0 fte (40 hours per week). Salary between € 4.925,= and € 6.682,= gross per month for full-time employment (UFO-profile Researcher 3, salary scale 11). Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system based on relevant work experience. This is a vacancy for a temporary position in accordance with Article 2.3 paragraph 5 of the CLA for Dutch universities. You will receive a temporary employment contract for 2 years. Vacation pay of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Over 8 weeks of vacation leave. Hybrid working with home working allowance (€2 p/day) and internet allowance (€25 p/month). Reimbursement sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transport. Options model for additional leave, pension, a bicycle or personal training. Moving allowance (subject to conditions). 30% rule for international employees (if applicable). Pension through ABP. Ample training offer: personal development, leadership, education, research or language courses. Inclusive work culture: everyone welcome, equal opportunities. A green, inviting campus that’s easily accessible by public transport. For more information, please see our website and the CLA Dutch Universities. Want to know more? Would you like to know more before applying? Feel free to contact Prof. dr. Anne Lafarre at [email protected]. Want to apply? We kindly invite you to apply before 29 November 2026; this can only be done online. Address your cover letter to Prof. dr. Anne Lafarre and attach your resume, a list of publications, one writing sample (e.g. a published article or working paper) and the names and contact details of two referees. We only approach referees for candidates who make it to the second selection round. We look forward to your response. The letter selection will take place by the 11th of December. You will be notified as soon as possible thereafter. The first selection interviews will take place in week 51(16 December 2026) and the second in week 1 (4 January 2027). The selection committee consists of: Prof. dr. Anne Lafarre, Professor of Corporate Law, Tilburg University (chair) Prof. dr. Christoph Van der Elst, Professor of Business Law, Tilburg University You will ideally start working for Tilburg University on 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible afterwards. This vacancy has been published simultaneously internally and externally. In case of equal suitability, our preference is for an internal candidate. Are you an internal candidate and would you like to know more about applying for an internal position? Please check the intranet for the relevant conditions: Internal vacancies and job applications | Tilburg University About Tilburg University Tilburg University is the university in the humanities and social sciences. Ever since our foundation in 1927, we have been committed to a just, inclusive, and sustainable society. With leading research and inspiring education, we contribute to the interpretation and, where possible, solutions to current societal issues, from climate change to digitalization Our community is personal, engaged, and small-scale. On our green, compact, and vibrant campus there is room for encounter, collaboration, reflection, and personal growth. Read more about Tilburg University. Working at Tilburg University means working in an inclusive team with attractive employment conditions. At Tilburg University, you will receive ample opportunities to strengthen your talents and develop your career, in a warm working atmosphere where we attach great importance to the following values: curious, connected, caring, and courageous. About Tilburg Law School (TLS) Founded in 1963, Tilburg Law School has grown into a leading School of law and public administration. Our education and research have a clearly innovative and interdisciplinary character. In doing so, we are driven by our mission to effectively influence challenging societal developments such as new technology, sustainability, and vulnerable individuals in the rule of law from the perspective of law and public administration. We act from local, regional, national, and international developments and collaborate with other disciplines such as economics, the behavioral and social sciences, philosophy, history, and digital sciences. The School is organized into five Departments: Public Law & Governance; Private, Business, and Labor Law; Criminal Law; Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology & Society; and Tax Law. About the Department of Private, Business & Labour Law The Department of Private, Business & Labour Law (PBLL) consists of approximately a hundred researchers, lecturers and staff engaged in education and research in private law in its broadest sense. Research in the department is organised in the research programme Connecting Responsible Organizations, which focuses on sustainability and technology. Research on corporate law and governance in the department combines doctrinal, law-and-economics and empirical approaches, and has close ties with TILEC (Tilburg Law and Economics Center) and with practice, including institutional investors, investor organisations and policymakers. The inspiring and open culture makes working here a pleasure.

Core Responsibilities

Research how institutional investors engage with listed companies and identify the conditions, communication approaches, and engagement trajectories associated with successful outcomes. Publish findings in international peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and contribute research relevant to investors, companies, and policymakers.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a PhD, or complete one by the start date, in a relevant field and have demonstrable experience conducting empirical research. They should be interested in corporate governance, stewardship, institutional investors, or sustainability; have strong publication potential and English proficiency at CEFR C1 or higher; and be able to work independently and collaboratively.

Benefits

• 8% Vacation Pay
• 8.3% Year-End Bonus
• Over 8 Weeks of Vacation Leave
• Home-Working Allowance
• Internet Allowance
• Sustainable Commuting Reimbursement
• Options for Additional Leave
• Pension
• Bicycle Scheme
• Personal Training
• Moving Allowance
• 30% Tax Ruling for Eligible International Employees
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Inclusive Work Culture