The KU Leuven Centre for IT & IP Law (CiTiP) is a dynamic research unit of the Faculty of Law and Criminology with a gender-balanced and culturally diverse team representing over 15 nationalities. Its mission is to develop legal knowledge in the field of ICT, ethics 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 thirty years of experience conducting research into legal and ethical aspects of innovative information and communication technologies in both the public and private sectors. CiTiP currently consists of over 90 staff members, including 9 professors, a research expert, 9 postdoctoral researchers, a valorisation manager and administrative support. CiTiP is involved in interdisciplinary projects financed through programmes 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. CiTiP endorses the vision that academic excellence is achieved through the combination of outstanding research and education, in which societal impact is achieved by sharing knowledge. In doing so, we recognise that excellence is not only achieved through individual performance, but mostly through team effort in which each team member acts as a leader connecting people.
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Responsibilities
CiTiP is looking for a full-time junior researcher who would be eager to work on research projects focusing on data regulation and data/AI governance within the DataPACT project (Compliance by Design of AI/Data Operations and Pipelines). In an era when ubiquitously generated and extensively utilised data drives decision-making and innovation, ensuring the compliance, fairness, and environmental sustainability of data/AI operations has become paramount. The disruptive emergence of new AI models, the increasing volume of data, the complexity and computational needs of AI systems, the interaction of different and often competing actors and the multitude of emerging legislations pose significant compliance challenges with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data (Governance) Act and the AI Act. Moreover, there is an increasing societal and business demand for ethical and transparent AI and an urgent need to mitigate the environmental impact of data and AI operations aligning with the European Green Deal's objectives. DataPACT aims to address these challenges by developing and piloting novel tools and methodologies that enable efficient, compliant, ethical, and environmentally friendly data/AI. The successful candidate will focus on developing a comprehensive legal framework navigating the compliance requirements within the data/AI pipeline lifecycle. The research will result in an interactive roadmap for regulatory compliance and business case guidelines for conformity with the regulatory frameworks (e.g. AI Act, Data Act, Data Governance Act, sectoral legislation,…). The researcher would also be encouraged to develop their own research trajectory.
The research position involves the following tasks:
- conducting fundamental and applied legal research in cooperation with e.g. computer and data scientists (within the DATAPACT project);
- acting as a point of contact for CiTiP’s partners in research projects;
- publishing research in high quality peer-reviewed national and international journals; presenting research results at national and international meetings, conferences, seminars and workshops;
- generating and pursuing original research ideas (e.g. for new research projects, a doctoral dissertation);
- engaging in science communication towards non-legal experts, stakeholders, the public at large (e.g. through CiTiP’s blog);
- building research collaborations nationally and internationally;
- contributing to other activities of CiTiP (e.g. taking on limited educational and teaching assignments, contributing to grant applications, participating in team meetings, setting up internal workshops).
Profile
- You have obtained a master’s degree in Law with a specialisation in ICT law;
- You have a demonstrable expertise on the evolutions in digital law (e.g. AI Act, Data Act, Data Governance Act), as well as on the interaction between technology and law;
- You have distinguished yourself through excellent study performance or other achievements;
- You are comfortable working both individually and in a(n) (interdisciplinary) team;
- Professional experience in the relevant areas may be considered as an asset;
- You have an analytical mind, creative thinking skills, and a passion for critical reflection;
- You have an excellent command of English which can be demonstrated by your earlier texts (thesis, academic and/or professional publications, etc.);
- 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 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 expertise on empirical research.
Offer
Full-time employment with a standard fixed term contract for one year, with a real possibility to renew after a successful evaluation.
Stimulating environment characterised by a mixture of independence, trust and support.
Access to all facilities offered by the university.
A number of other benefits, such as a wide range of training and educational programmes, a bicycle allowance, ecocheques, preferential rates at sports and cultural facilities, ...
Interested?
For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Jan De Bruyne, mail: jan.debruyne@kuleuven.be; Edith Appelmans, mail: Edith.Appelmans@kuleuven.be or Dr. Viltė Kristina Dessers, mail: vk.dessers@kuleuven.be
Please submit your CV, a cover letter, and a one-page outline of an innovative (potential doctoral) research idea/line when applying for this job.
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.