Teaser Text

The International Institute of Air and Space Law (IIASL) at the Faculty of Law seeks to recruit an Assistant Professor in Space Law (0.8 FTE)

What you will do

The Assistant Professor (universitair docent) in Space Law is expected to teach and conduct research in this fast-paced, dynamic field that is influenced by public international law, EU law, competition law and environmental law, as well as cybersecurity and export regulations.

The Assistant Professor in Space Law will contribute to a focused research agenda, for instance, on challenges relating to the changing character of the space sector and the role of States, the EU, private entities and the international legal order in the field of space activities. Research is conducted under the Leiden Law School research programmes ‘Exploring the Frontiers of International Law’ and/or ‘The Progression of EU Law: Accommodating Change and Upholding Values’.

The Assistant Professor in Space Law will be expected to supervise doctoral work in connection with the IIASL’s Ph.D. track and seek out, secure and work on external research funded by third parties.

In terms of education, the Assistant Professor in Space Law will contribute to the Advanced Master of Laws (LL.M.) programme in Air and Space Law, including the blended learning variant, and a bachelor’s course; both are conducted in English. The Assistant Professor will also supervise theses.

The IIASL benefits from an extensive network of alumni and professionals in the aviation and space sectors. To nurture its network, the IIASL regularly organises international activities and engages in collaborative and contract research. The Assistant Professor in Space Law will help to maintain and grow the network and support its activities.

Where you will work

With over 6,500 students and 700 members of staff, Leiden Law School is one of the largest faculties in the Netherlands. Yet, in all its diversity, it is still known for its ability to provide education on a small scale. The Faculty focuses on multi-faceted high-level teaching and research, both nationally and internationally. It does so by working with talented people and stimulating and supporting them in their professional and personal ambitions. The Faculty is housed in the beautifully restored Kamerlingh Onnes Building on the Steenschuur in Leiden. Working for the Leiden Law School means working in an inspiring scientific environment. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/law.

Lectures in Air Law began at Leiden University in 1938, with a Chair created in 1947. In 1961, lectures in Space Law began, and Space Law was added to the Chair, becoming the world’s first in Air and Space Law. Since 1985, the IIASL conducts teaching, research and other academic activities such as the organisation of conferences, moot courts and participation in foreign academic activities related to Air and Space Law. The activities carried out by the IIASL enjoy an outstanding reputation worldwide.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/law/institute-of-public-law/institute-of-air-space-law.

What you bring

The successful candidate must have:

• completed a Ph.D. in the field of Space Law or is nearing completion of doctoral work (note: an appointment as Assistant Professor upon approval of doctoral manuscript);
• contributed to the field of space law through peer-reviewed publications;
• sound teaching experience in space law, including assessment design and hybrid education or e-learning;
• ideally, a minimum of 7-10 years of prior experience; and
• excellent oral and written communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills.

The candidate must also be:

• willing to travel and to participate in national and international events and conferences;
• proficient in general computer skills and experience with electronic collaboration tools; and
• willing to learn the Dutch language.

The working language of the IIASL is English.

What we offer

We also offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of 18 months with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between €4728 - €6433 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (Scale 11);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme;
• Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
  
  

What we find important

Want to apply or find out more?

• In choosing between candidates, in case of equal suitability, preference will be given to internal candidates, women, the occupationally disabled and employees with a migration background.
• A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.
• We ensure that our lecturers have a good level of English competency. Lectures who teach subjects in English have a minimum level of C1 for their English proficiency. Staff who have the prospect of a permanent position are expected to have at least a passive understanding of Dutch, or willingness to learn the Dutch Language.  
• Leiden University expects faculty members to obtain the Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO). If the new employee does not yet hold this qualification or its equivalent, they must be willing to obtain it within two years.
• Applicants should submit online a letter of interest accompanied by a current CV.
• You should also submit the names and contact details of two (2) referees who will only be contacted later and with your consent.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid