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, LUSI, LIM, LISCO, 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, privacy and security, data regulation and intellectual property, in both the public and private sector. 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, Digital Europe, Marie Curie, FWO, ICON, Belspo, Vlaio, KU Leuven Internal Funds, as well as through bilateral contracts. For more information, please check the website.
Website unit
Responsibilities
KU Leuven CiTiP is looking for a full-time (junior) researcher who would be eager to work on research projects focusing on data regulation and data governance. The successful candidate would be expected to conduct research on the regulation of data, including (but not limited to) the protection, sharing and (re-)use of personal and non-personal data, confidentiality of data, governance structures and mechanisms for the realization of European and national data spaces, in particular in the health sector. The researcher would also be encouraged to develop their own research trajectory in the field of data law and new technologies.
The research position involves the following tasks:
- conducting fundamental and applied legal research on the regulation of data, often in cooperation with computer and data scientists;
- 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, preferably with a specialization master in ICT and IP law
- you are well versed in Belgian and EU law
- you are interested in technology developments and digital transformation in the field of data-driven innovation
- you have a demonstrable interest in the interaction between law and technology
- you strive for excellence and can demonstrate it by excellent academic results (minimum one distinction)
- you have a critical, analytical and creative mindset
- you have very good communication skills, both spoken and written (to be demonstrated by your earlier texts (thesis, academic and/or professional publications (memo’s, blogposts), etc.)
- you are comfortable working both individually and in a(n) (interdisciplinary) team
- you are able to plan and prioritise your work, to respect deadlines and deal with time pressure
- you have an excellent command of English, both written and spoken
- professional experience in the relevant areas may be considered as an asset and could, with motivated request, be taken into account for academic seniority
Offer
- A stimulating and dynamic working environment, with a unique combination of independence, trust and support
- A full time employment as scientific collaborator with a standard fixed term contract for one year, with a real possibility to renew (barema 43)
- A number of other benefits, such as a wide range of training and education programs, attractive leave and insurance policies, a bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, preferential rates at sports and cultural facilities, etc.
- Access to all facilities offered by the University
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Jan De Bruyne, tel.: +32 16 37 35 38, mail: jan.debruyne@kuleuven.be or Mrs. Natalie Bertels, tel.: +32 16 32 51 77, mail: natalie.bertels@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.