"PhD Candidate in Transparency of Regulated Digital Technologies in the EU"

Job Description

Do you want to research the rules that shape transparency of regulated digital technologies and data in the EU? Analyse case law from EU courts and regulators that strike a balance between transparency and trade secret claims of regulated actors? And explore legal arguments in support of algorithmic transparency and data access for public interest research?

How does EU law balance transparency and confidentiality of digital technologies and data?

This PhD position offers you the opportunity to conduct original, cutting-edge research in the project “Artificial Secrecy? Taking Transparency in EU Digital and Data Regulation Seriously”. This research project focuses on the balance struck between transparency and confidentiality rules regarding regulated digital technologies and data in the EU. The EU legal framework on digital technologies and data is made up of various EU regulations (i.e., GDPR, DSA, DMA, DGA, DA and AIA) which all contain rules on transparency and the protection of confidentiality.

Your research will cast light on the rules that shape transparency regarding regulated digital technologies and data in the EU. You will have the chance of exploring the legal issues raised at the intersection of transparency and confidentiality, answering questions such as:

• How does EU digital and data regulation achieve transparency and for whom exactly?
• How does this EU regulation protect confidential information of regulated actors?
• Which balance has been struck between transparency and confidentiality and does it conform with European fundamental rights?
• How can freedom of information requests support public interest research and override confidentiality claims?

In addition to legal-doctrinal and normative research, you will embark on small-scale empirical research by documenting and analysing freedom of information requests. The project will host two workshops. In the first workshop you have the opportunity to exchange first-hand with academic scholars working on this topic. In the second workshop you will obtain practical insights into how civil society and journalists approach and use public interest research in their work.

This project is funded by the Dutch National Research Foundation NWO.

What you will do

You will work on a legal PhD thesis at the Institute for Information Law (IViR), Amsterdam Law School, University of Amsterdam. Your PhD research is part of a research project under the supervision of Dr. Kristina Irion and a supervisory team. You will explore transparency of regulated digital technologies and data in the EU in individual articles that are finally included and bundled in your doctoral thesis.

Next to your PhD research, you will contribute actively to the activities of IViR, for instance by participating in workshops, organizing lectures and contributing to joint activities. To develop your teaching skills, you can also be involved in light teaching or student supervision tasks.

More specifically, you are expected to:

• Conduct academic research on transparency of regulated digital technologies and data in the EU, culminating in a PhD thesis (based on a minimum of 4 papers or a monograph);
• Present your research in academic conferences, expert sessions, etc.;
• Contribute to the organization of two workshops and empirical research, to the project website and project-related output such as blog posts;
• Contribute to the public debate and organize outreach activities addressing algorithmic transparency and data access for public interest research;
• Collaborate with other IViR researchers and participate in other IViR activities.

What we expect from you

A (research) Master’s degree in information law or European Union law (demonstrable knowledge of freedom of information laws, transparency or confidentiality rules are a plus); A creative mind and strong critical and analytical skills; Demonstrable interest in challenges arising in the digital and algorithmic society for transparency and accountability; A clear interest in conducting research in the field of transparency of regulated digital technologies and data in the EU and the role of civil society actors, including journalists; Collegial attitude and capacity to work not only independently but also in teams; An excellent written and spoken command of English (written and spoken command of other languages, including Dutch, is a plus); Ability and willingness to organize workshops, lecture series, and similar events (demonstrable experience with these activities a plus).

What we offer you

We offer an employment contract for four years with a probationary period of two months, preferably starting on 1 December 2025 or 1 January 2026. The employment contract is for 38 hours a week. Your salary ranges from €3,059 in the first year to €3,881 in the final year gross per month based on a full working week of 38 hours. This is exclusive 8% holiday and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.

Your workplace: This PhD position is hosted at the Institute for Information Law, Amsterdam Law School, University of Amsterdam. With more than 50 researchers from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, the Institute for Information Law (IViR) is the largest research facility in the field of information law in Europe, and one of the largest of its kind in the world. The Institute’s mission is to further the development of information law into a balanced framework that accommodates the needs and interests of the information society.

With over 5,000 students and more than 500 staff members, the Amsterdam Law School is one of the larger law faculties in the Netherlands. We educate lawyers who know how to apply the law effectively with the aim of making a real contribution to solving social problems. The Amsterdam Law School stands for progressive and trail-blazing education and research, for stronger legal institutions, solutions to social problems and a better and juster society.