PhD Position in Space Law and Artificial Intelligence

artificial intelligence and computer science.

Your duties

• conduct independent doctoral research on the legal and ethical governance of AI-enabled Earth Observation
• map and analyse applicable legal frameworks, including international space law, the EU Space Act, the EU AI Act and relevant security and military law
• conduct doctrinal and empirical research, including interviews and engagement with governmental, regulatory, academic and industry stakeholders
• contribute to academic publications, policy outputs, conferences, workshops and the development of principles for responsible and explainable AI-enabled Earth Observation
• contribute to the activities of Amsterdam Law & Technology Institute and Amsterdam Space Law & Sustainability Center.

Requirements

• a completed LL.M. or equivalent master's degree in law, preferably with a specialisation or demonstrated interest in technology (AI) law, space law, military law, international security, international humanitarian law, EU law or public international law
• strong academic research and legal analytical skills, with an interest in collaborating in a multidisciplinary environment
• knowledge of, or a demonstrable interest in, the legal and regulatory implications of space activities and artificial intelligence
• experience or an interest in empirical legal research and in working with stakeholders from government, industry and technical disciplines
• excellent written and spoken English and the ability to communicate legal research clearly to both academic and non-academic audiences

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore, we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Conditions of employment

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.204 (Scale 85 PhD.) and maximum € 4.051 (Scale 85 PhD.) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, the possibility of expansion to a total of 4 years.
• the possibility to engage and collaborate with industry and governmental stakeholders as part of the EO-TRUST project. For example, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on industry expertise at Caeli BV, as an intern.
• you will benefit from international insights offered by a renowned Advisory Board, as part of the EO-TRUST project. Members include representatives from ESA, the European Commission, EUSPA, the European Parliament, top AI policy & governmental advisors and space law advisors and academics.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• contribution to commuting expenses

Employer

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Amsterdam Space Law and Sustainability Institute. Hosted at the Faculty of Law of VU Amsterdam and funded by the Amsterdam Law & Technology Institute (ALTI), the Amsterdam Space Law & Sustainability Center is a multidisciplinary platform for research and collaboration on the legal, technological and societal challenges of human activities in outer space. Its research focuses on areas including space sustainability, security and militarisation, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and other critical technologies, as well as the legal dimensions of space operations.

Faculty of Law

At the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's Faculty of Law we train lawyers and criminologists to develop sharp critical minds, with a strong focus on the societal relevance of law. We offer Bachelor's programmes in four main fields: Law, Notarial Law, Law in Society and Criminology. In addition, we offer an extensive range of Master's programmes as well as contract education (for non-student visitors). Much of our research is both international and multidisciplinary in character.

Our teaching and research embody the values of cooperation and diversity. We encourage each other to view problems from different perspectives, to think critically, develop a broader mind and arrive at creative legal solutions together.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Law? You will work in an active and inspiring academic environment. Together with your colleagues, you will contribute to the excellence of teaching and research in a pleasant and collegial working environment. You will join over 400 staff members responsible for a student body of 4,500.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct.

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity

Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Additional information

Are you interested? Please submit your CV and a relevant writing sample (e.g., master thesis, thesis chapter or publication) by Monday November 16 (23:59 hr). Interviews (in Amsterdam or online) are expected to take place between 1 December and 11 December.

References may be requested as part of the application process.

The start date of the position is 1 February 2027. For questions about the position, please contact Dr Ioana Bratu, i.bratu@vu.nl.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.