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PhD Position: Effective Governance for Cybersecurity and Online Safety - Job Opportunity at Radboud Universiteit

Nijmegen, Netherlands
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: June 25, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 3,378 - 5,331 per month

Benefits

Comprehensive salary progression from €3,378 to €3,897 monthly over four years, providing clear financial advancement pathway
Extended annual leave options allowing choice between 30 or 41 days instead of statutory 20, significantly enhancing work-life balance
Substantial financial bonuses including 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus, adding meaningful compensation supplements
Flexible working arrangements with remote work options and adaptable hours, supporting modern work preferences
Premium pension plan ensuring long-term financial security beyond academic career
Professional development funding and training schemes supporting career advancement in academic and research fields
Employee wellness benefits including 34% discount on sports and cultural activities, promoting holistic well-being
Customizable employment package allowing income-to-leave exchanges and personalized benefit selection
Access to interdisciplinary research networks through iHub and EGOS consortium, expanding professional connections

Key Responsibilities

Conduct groundbreaking legal analysis of trusted flaggers' role in European content moderation framework, contributing to fundamental understanding of digital governance mechanisms
Drive interdisciplinary research within the prestigious EGOS project funded by Dutch Research Council, positioning work at forefront of cybersecurity and online safety policy development
Develop comprehensive expertise in Digital Services Act compliance and implementation, becoming subject matter expert in critical emerging regulatory framework
Collaborate with leading academic institutions and industry partners including Delft University of Technology, NBIP, ECP, and ATKM to shape practical policy solutions
Produce doctoral dissertation through either monograph or published research papers, establishing scholarly reputation in rapidly evolving field of digital law
Navigate complex legal questions regarding AI integration in content moderation, addressing cutting-edge intersection of technology and regulatory compliance
Contribute to defining responsibility frameworks between trusted flaggers and online platforms, influencing future regulatory interpretations
Engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration with researchers from humanities, social sciences, engineering, and natural sciences at iHub research center

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in law, preferably with specialization in ICT law

Experience

Not specified, but preference for experience in interdisciplinary research

Required Skills

Excellent command of written and spoken English Working knowledge of Dutch language (beneficial) Interest and experience in interdisciplinary research Ability to work independently and collaborate with colleagues from various scientific backgrounds Team player with preference for personal contact Preference for working on campus
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The European Union's Digital Services Act represents a paradigm shift in content moderation regulation, creating unprecedented demand for legal experts who can navigate the complex intersection of technology law, cybersecurity, and digital governance. This regulatory framework is reshaping how platforms operate across Europe and influencing global content moderation standards. Content moderation and trusted flagger mechanisms are becoming central to digital platform operations, with increasing emphasis on developing legally compliant, technically feasible, and socially acceptable solutions. The integration of AI in content moderation presents both opportunities and regulatory challenges that require specialized legal expertise. Interdisciplinary research approaches combining law, technology, and social sciences are increasingly valued in academic and policy circles, as digital governance challenges require multifaceted solutions that traditional single-discipline approaches cannot adequately address.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of €3,378-5,331 monthly (approximately €40,500-64,000 annually) is competitive for PhD positions in the Netherlands and reflects the specialized nature of digital law research. This compensation package, including progression guarantees and substantial benefits, positions favorably against other European doctoral programs in law and technology.

Role Significance

Doctoral candidates typically work within small, focused research teams of 3-5 core members while having access to broader interdisciplinary networks through iHub and the EGOS consortium, providing both intensive mentorship and extensive collaborative opportunities.
This position represents a high-impact entry point into the specialized field of digital governance law, offering direct access to cutting-edge research and policy development that will influence European and global content moderation frameworks for years to come.

Key Projects

Analysis of trusted flagger implementation across EU member states and major platforms Development of AI governance frameworks for automated content moderation systems Cross-border enforcement mechanisms for digital services regulation Stakeholder engagement processes involving platforms, civil society, and regulatory bodies

Success Factors

Deep understanding of both legal principles and technical realities of content moderation systems, enabling practical and legally sound recommendations Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills essential for working effectively across law, computer science, and social science domains Excellent research and analytical capabilities combined with clear communication skills for engaging diverse stakeholders including academics, policymakers, and industry representatives Adaptability to rapidly evolving regulatory and technological landscapes in digital governance

Market Demand

High demand exists for specialists in digital governance and content moderation law, driven by rapidly evolving regulatory landscapes and increasing corporate compliance requirements across Europe and globally.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Legal research and analysis capabilities are fundamental for navigating complex regulatory frameworks and producing high-quality scholarly work that meets both academic standards and policy relevance requirements Interdisciplinary collaboration skills are essential given the project's requirement to work across law, technology, and social science domains, requiring ability to translate concepts between different academic and professional languages English language proficiency is crucial for international publication, conference participation, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across European and global digital governance communities

Beneficial Skills

Dutch language skills provide significant advantages for accessing local regulatory materials, engaging with Dutch industry partners, and understanding national implementation contexts that inform broader European policy development Technical understanding of content moderation systems and AI technologies enhances ability to provide legally sound recommendations that are technically feasible and practically implementable Policy analysis and stakeholder engagement experience valuable for translating research findings into actionable recommendations for regulators, platforms, and civil society organizations

Unique Aspects

Direct involvement in shaping European digital governance policy through the prestigious NWO-funded EGOS project, providing rare opportunity to influence regulatory development at the highest levels
Access to interdisciplinary research environment at iHub that combines legal expertise with technical and social science perspectives, offering comprehensive understanding of digital governance challenges
Collaboration with key Dutch industry partners and regulatory bodies, providing practical insights into real-world implementation challenges and solutions
Focus on trusted flaggers represents a highly specialized and emerging area of legal research with significant policy implications
No teaching responsibilities allow full concentration on research activities, maximizing publication potential and expertise development

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs over 5-7 years post-PhD completion, with immediate opportunities in consulting and policy roles, followed by senior academic or industry positions as expertise and publication record develop.

Potential Next Roles

Postdoctoral researcher in digital law and policy at major European institutions Legal counsel specializing in digital services compliance at technology companies or consulting firms Policy advisor roles with European Union institutions, national governments, or international organizations Academic positions as assistant professor in law faculties with focus on technology and digital rights

Company Overview

Radboud Universiteit

Radboud University stands among the Netherlands' most prestigious research institutions, particularly recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to complex societal challenges. The university's commitment to combining rigorous academic research with practical impact positions it as an ideal environment for cutting-edge digital governance research.

Radboud University maintains strong international recognition in legal research and digital humanities, with its iHub interdisciplinary center representing a unique model for technology-society research that attracts top-tier funding and collaboration opportunities.
Located in Nijmegen, the university serves as a key research hub in the Netherlands' technology corridor, with strong connections to EU policy-making centers in Brussels and The Hague, providing excellent access to both academic networks and policy implementation venues.
The university emphasizes collaborative, impact-driven research with strong support for early-career researchers, offering extensive mentorship, professional development opportunities, and encouragement for interdisciplinary collaboration that extends beyond traditional academic boundaries.
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