RU CiTiP - PhD scholarship holder (100%)

The KU Leuven Centre for IT & IP Law (CiTiP) is a research unit of the Faculty of Law and Criminology with the mission to develop legal knowledge in the field of ICT, ethics, digital media and intellectual property. The Centre is affiliated to imec, and is part of the Flemish Knowledge Centre for Data & Society, DigiSoc, Leuven Centre on ICT (LICT) and Leuven.AI. CiTiP has over 30 years of experience conducting research into legal and ethical aspects of innovative information and communication technologies, privacy and security, intellectual property and biotechnology, in both the public and private sectors. CiTiP currently consists of over 90 full-time researchers, including 6 professors, a research expert, 10 postdoctoral researchers, a valorization expert and administrative support. CiTiP is involved in interdisciplinary projects financed through programs such as Horizon Europe/H2020, Digital Europe, Marie Curie, FWO, ICON, Belgian and Flemish authorities, as well as through bilateral contracts.
For more information, please check the website.
Website unit

Project

As a part of the team of Prof. Dr. Jan De Bruyne, the candidate will conduct research aimed at contributing to a national, European and international IT law framework that responds to the needs of the society in which it is embedded. The research will focus on one or more of the following research lines: (1) the interface between AI and (private) law; (2) data governance and data spaces; (3) the legal aspects of the virtual reality; (4) robotics and (5) the regulation of technologies. In this context, intradisciplinary as well as interdisciplinary research may be envisaged. In addition, the candidate is expected to assist in teaching responsibilities at the KU Leuven Faculty of Law and Criminology in Dutch as well as in English.

Profile

• You have obtained a master’s degree in Law, preferably with a specialisation in ICT Law. 
• You have distinguished yourself through excellent study performance or other achievements. 
• You are fascinated by the technological developments and digital transformation in AI, robotics, algorithms, big data, blockchain, data spaces, data governance, SOLID, … 
• You have a demonstrable interest in the interaction between law and technology and the impact of technological developments on the law, in particular private law, data law and other legislation with specific relevance to digital transformation (e.g. commercial law, fundamental rights, ...). 
• You are well versed in Belgian and EU law. 
• You strive for excellence and can demonstrate it by excellent academic results or other achievements. 
• You have an analytical mind, creative thinking skills, and a passion for critical reflection. 
• You have strong communication skills, both oral and written (to be demonstrated through academic publications such as a master's thesis or scientific articles, as well as practice-oriented publications, such as client memos, blog posts, ...). 
• You are flexible and comfortable working both individually and in a(n) (interdisciplinary) team. 
• You can plan your work independently, prioritise where necessary, respect deadlines, and also work under time pressure with respect for colleagues and the ambition to deliver high quality. 
• You have an excellent command of Dutch and English which can be demonstrated by your earlier texts (thesis, academic and/or professional publications, ...). 
• Expertise on empirical research methodologies is as an asset.

Offer

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. Dr. Jan De Bruyne, tel.: +32 16 37 35 38, mail: jan.debruyne@kuleuven.be or Mrs. Edith Appelmans, tel.: +32 16 32 07 78, mail: edith.appelmans@kuleuven.be.

In case of problems with the online application, please contact solliciteren@kuleuven.be.

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.