Postdoc or junior researcher on Law & Responsible AI for Critical Infrastructure (0,8 - 1,0 fte)

Postdoc or junior researcher on Law & Responsible AI for Critical Infrastructure (0,8-1,0 fte)
Vacancy number: 15716

This is what you will do 
As a researcher at eLaw, you will advance the knowledge of Responsible AI and Critical Infrastructure, particularly on sewer management. In concrete, you will:

• Contribute to the objectives of the research project by supporting the development of a data governance framework and strategies to ensure responsible AI adoption for sewer management.
• Management and coordination tasks of the department
• Independent performance of research in AI and critical infrastructure    
• Conduct qualitative research, including expert interviews and stakeholder perception surveys, to understand the impact of automation in sewer management.
• Analyze legal frameworks and contribute to developing an online platform assessing AI compliance with European regulatory standards.
• Lead workshops and presentations to engage stakeholders, including policy and standard-makers, in discussions around regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team across EU countries and institutions.
• Publish high-quality research papers and contribute to public engagement efforts to communicate findings.
• Education in the department, such as occasional guest lectures and supervising LLM theses.
• Contribute to the team spirit of eLaw.    

Within this narrative, you will contribute to several ongoing activities, projects, and initiatives in our research group eLaw at Leiden University, including: 

• Contribute to the working group Robotics and Autonomous Systems (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/law/institute-for-the-interdisciplinary-study-of-the-law/elaw/research/working-groups-at-elaw#working-group-robotics-and-autonomous-systems) at eLaw to create a community at Leiden University on the topic of law, robotics, and AI; 
• Prepare and give lectures for courses on Law and Artificial Intelligence, Law and Human-Machine Interaction, Human-Robot Interaction, and Pre-University Class from eLaw (taught in English).
• Supervise master thesis students of the Adv. LLM. in Law and Digital Technologies.

A postdoctoral researcher will also have some time to forge their own research line and explore the topics dearest to you. A junior researcher will also have the time to work on a PhD project aligned with the project.

This is where you will work 
The department
Leiden Law School, Center for Law and Digital Technologies (eLaw)
The Center for Law and Digital Technologies (eLaw) was founded in 1985 and has a leading role in research and education on law and digital technologies. The Center studies the social, legal and normative impact of emerging digital technologies. The focus of our research and education is particularly on digital technologies and their interplay with fundamental rights and the rule of law. Key themes in our research and education are: online privacy and personal data protection; cybercrime and cybersecurity; data science and law; internet governance; law and complexity in digital society; electronic communications law; children's rights in the digital world; fundamental rights and digital technologies; platform regulation; regulation of AI; law and human-machine interaction; legal technologies; ethics and digital technologies.    

The faculty
With over 6,500 students and 700 employees, the Faculty of Law is one of the largest faculties in the Netherlands, yet is characterised by its small scale despite its diversity. The faculty focuses on versatile education and research of a high standard, both nationally and internationally. Stimulating talent is a top priority for the faculty, which is housed in the beautifully restored Kamerlingh Onnes Building. Working for the Faculty of Law means working in an inspiring academic environment. For more information, see  www.universiteitleiden.nl/rechtsgeleerdheid .

This is what you bring 
In this team we are looking for someone who can work independently. Every function is different, so there is attention for familiarization in the beginning. If certain activities are new to you, we will look together at what you need and draw up a development plan for this. This function suits you if you recognize yourself in the following points:

• To be considered as a postdoctoral researcher, a completed PhD in the field of data science, AI, or computer science with a mixed background in value-sensitive design, ethics, or law. Alternatively, a completed PhD in the field of law and technology with experience in data science, AI, or computer science. Candidates who have not yet completed their PhD but have an approved manuscript can also apply. Candidates without an approved manuscript are not eligible for this position.
• We also welcome applications from excellent researchers who are interested in pursuing an external PhD trajectory. In such cases, a three-year research position will be offered, during which the candidate may have the possibility to enroll as an external PhD candidate at Leiden University. Please note that a completed Master’s degree is a minimum requirement for this track. 
• Familiarity with the European AI Act, General Data Protection Regulation, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations, and knowledge of responsible AI frameworks.
• Strong background in empirical research, including qualitative interviews and survey methodologies, demonstrated by published research in the field.
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., R, Python, Stata) for data analysis. 
• Experience with assistive technologies, in particular lower-limb exoskeletons and socially assistive robotics is an advantage, but not a strict requirement;
• Availability to travel internationally to project consortium countries. This position requires moving to the Netherlands.
• Excellent research and writing qualities, demonstrated by (international, peer-reviewed) publications, dissertation, and outreach activities;
• Experience in working in multidisciplinary and/or international teams, including sensitivity and inclusiveness regarding cultural differences among project members, staff, and students;
• Enthusiastic and proactive, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, spoken and written; 
• Excellent team player and community builder;
• Excellent English, spoken and written. Command of other European languages, including Dutch, is an advantage.

Do you fully recognize yourself in this profile or do you not meet all the requirements but do you think this is the position for you? Then we would like to invite you to apply!

This is what we offer you
We strive to create a transparent, inclusive work environment together, in which everyone feels welcome and valued. Our organization is constantly evolving and your ideas for improvement and innovation will help us move forward. We would like to spend time with you on your personal development.

You can count on a fun socially relevant job within the world of education and research. The challenging and international working environment of the university is located a stone's throw from the lively city center of Leiden. We also pay attention - together with you - to health and vitality. From Healthy University we organize fun activities that contribute to this.

In addition, we offer you:

• The period of employment is 3 years. First, there will be a 1 year contract with a 2 month probation time. If the employee performs well, the duration of the contract will be extended with another 2 years, to 3 years in total. The agreement falls under the collective labour agreement for Dutch Universities;
• A salary of at least €  3.378,- and a maximum of € 5.331,- gross per month for a full-time (38 hours) position (scale 10); 
• Holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8.3%) and an attractive pension scheme with ABP;
• Flexible working hours: as standard, you have at least 29 vacation days with a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also build up additional leave by, for example, working full-time 40 hours per week and thus building up 96 additional leave hours or by handing in 96 leave hours and working a 36-hour working week;
• Wide choice of secondary employment conditions; for example, it is negotiable to opt for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our choice model employment conditions, days off and/or salary can be used for, for example, a favorable sports subscription, bicycle arrangement and there are possibilities for childcare ;
• If the work allows it, hybrid working within the Netherlands is possible;
• A home work allowance (daily and internet allowance) and attention to good workplaces, in addition you will receive a laptop and a mobile phone from the university at your disposal. 

You can read more about employment conditions here: https://www.universiteitleidingen.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieProceedings-en- Arbeidsvoorwaarden 

This is what we consider important
Fostering an inclusive community is central to the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University strives to be an inclusive community where all students and staff feel valued and respected and can develop to their full potential. Diversity of experiences and perspectives enriches our education and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research is inclusive.

Apply or find out more? 
Apply directly? Then click on the application button.

Would you like more information about the content of this function? Further information about the position can be obtained from Dr. Fosch-Villaronga, email e.fosch.villaronga@law.leidenuniv.nl. For more details on the procedure, please contact our secretariat, email elaw@law.leidenuniv.nl. 

Please submit your application online no later than 09/06/2025 via the blue button in our application system. 

Applicants should submit:

• An online motivation letter of no more than 3 pages with the following sections:  
• A clear explanation of how you will contribute to the key responsibilities as described in the vacancy. 
• A statement explaining how you are best suited for this position and why your skills and experience matches the selection criteria as described in the vacancy
• Provide concrete ideas about how you will conduct research on AI for critical infrastructure, in concrete, in sewer management. 
• Concrete ideas to contribute to the eLaw team spirit.

An updated CV 

• With a list of publications, outreach activities, and relevant experience to critical infrastructure, including sewer management.    
• Include the details of your former employer and the names of 2 referees that can support your candidacy. The referees should be available to be contacted via telephone.    

In order to get to know each other well, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. You can read more information here: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden 

• We find mobility very important. That is why this vacancy is also advertised internally. In case of equal suitability, the internal candidate has preference.
• A pre- employment screening (references, diplomas, VOG) can be part of the selection procedure. 
• Leiden University expects lecturers to obtain the Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO). If the new employee does not yet have this qualification or its equivalent, he or she must be prepared to obtain this qualification within two years. 
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you do send us CVs, no rights can be derived from them. #LI-Hybrid