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Postdoc or junior researcher on Law & Responsible AI for Critical Infrastructure - Job Opportunity at Universiteit Leiden

Leiden, Netherlands
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: May 28, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 3,378 - 5,331 per month

Benefits

Comprehensive employment package under Dutch Universities collective labor agreement providing enhanced job security and standardized academic benefits
Competitive salary structure with scale 10 positioning (EUR 3,378-5,331 monthly) reflecting strong compensation for research positions in Netherlands academic market
Enhanced total compensation through 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus, effectively increasing annual earnings by over 16%
Premium pension scheme with ABP providing long-term financial security and retirement planning advantages
Flexible work-life balance with minimum 29 vacation days and innovative time-banking system allowing customization of work schedules and additional leave accumulation
Comprehensive secondary employment benefits package including negotiable sabbatical options, paid parental leave, and choice model for optimizing personal benefits
Modern hybrid working arrangements within Netherlands supporting work flexibility and productivity
Complete technology package including laptop, mobile phone, and home work allowances (daily and internet) enabling seamless remote work capabilities
Health and wellness initiatives through Healthy University program promoting employee wellbeing and work-life integration
Professional development support with dedicated time for independent research line development and PhD project opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Drive advancement of Responsible AI knowledge in critical infrastructure sector by developing comprehensive data governance frameworks and strategies for AI adoption in sewer management systems
Lead strategic management and coordination functions within the department, contributing to operational excellence and research program direction
Execute independent research initiatives in AI and critical infrastructure, establishing expertise in emerging technology applications for urban systems
Conduct sophisticated qualitative research including expert interviews and stakeholder perception surveys to analyze automation impact in municipal infrastructure management
Analyze complex legal frameworks and contribute to developing innovative online platform for assessing AI compliance with European regulatory standards
Lead stakeholder engagement through workshops and presentations, influencing policy and standard-makers in regulatory compliance discussions
Collaborate within interdisciplinary EU-wide consortium, building international research networks and cross-cultural project management capabilities
Publish high-impact research papers and lead public engagement efforts to communicate findings to academic and policy communities
Contribute to educational excellence through guest lectures and LLM thesis supervision, shaping next generation of legal technology professionals
Build and strengthen eLaw team culture and research community, fostering collaborative academic environment

Requirements

Education

Completed PhD in data science, AI, or computer science with mixed background in value-sensitive design, ethics, or law, OR completed PhD in law and technology with experience in data science, AI, or computer science. Candidates with approved manuscript but incomplete PhD may apply. Master's degree minimum for external PhD track.

Experience

Strong background in empirical research including qualitative interviews and survey methodologies, demonstrated by published research in the field. Experience in multidisciplinary and/or international teams with cultural sensitivity.

Required Skills

Familiarity with the European AI Act, General Data Protection Regulation, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations Knowledge of responsible AI frameworks Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., R, Python, Stata) for data analysis Excellent research and writing qualities demonstrated by international, peer-reviewed publications Enthusiastic and proactive approach with excellent interpersonal and communication skills Excellent team player and community builder capabilities Excellent English, spoken and written

Certifications

Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO) required within two years if not already obtained
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The intersection of AI governance and critical infrastructure represents one of the fastest-growing areas in legal technology research, driven by the European Union's pioneering AI Act implementation and increasing regulatory scrutiny of automated systems in essential services. This positioning places the role at the forefront of emerging legal frameworks that will shape how AI is deployed in municipal and urban infrastructure across Europe. Critical infrastructure AI applications, particularly in utilities and municipal services like sewer management, are experiencing unprecedented growth as cities worldwide pursue smart city initiatives. The EU's digital transformation agenda and Green Deal policies are creating substantial funding and research opportunities in this sector, making expertise in this area highly valuable. The convergence of legal expertise and technical AI knowledge is creating a new professional category that bridges traditional legal practice with emerging technology governance. This interdisciplinary approach is becoming essential as organizations struggle to navigate complex regulatory landscapes while implementing AI solutions. European regulatory leadership in AI governance, particularly through the AI Act, is creating global demand for expertise in EU compliance frameworks. Organizations worldwide are looking to European models as templates for their own AI governance structures.

Salary Evaluation

The stated salary range of EUR 3,378-5,331 monthly (approximately EUR 40,536-63,972 annually) is competitive for Dutch academic positions and reflects the specialized nature of this interdisciplinary role. With additional benefits (16%+ through holiday and end-of-year bonuses), total compensation reaches EUR 47,000-74,000 annually, positioning this role favorably within the European academic research market.

Role Significance

Typically operates within a 5-8 person interdisciplinary research team at eLaw, with extensive collaboration across EU consortium partners involving 15-20 researchers across multiple institutions and countries.
This role represents a strategic mid-level position that combines independent research leadership with collaborative team contribution. The position offers significant autonomy in research direction while providing structured support for career development, positioning incumbents as emerging thought leaders in AI governance for critical infrastructure.

Key Projects

Development of comprehensive AI governance frameworks for municipal infrastructure management Creation of automated compliance assessment platforms for European AI regulations Multi-stakeholder engagement initiatives involving policy makers, technology vendors, and municipal authorities Cross-border research collaboration on harmonized AI standards for critical infrastructure

Success Factors

Deep understanding of both technical AI capabilities and legal regulatory frameworks, enabling effective translation between technical and legal communities Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills to navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments involving academics, policymakers, and industry practitioners Cultural sensitivity and adaptability for working across diverse European research environments and regulatory contexts Research excellence demonstrated through high-quality publications that influence both academic discourse and policy development Ability to balance independent research innovation with collaborative team objectives and project deliverables

Market Demand

High demand driven by urgent need for AI governance expertise in critical infrastructure sectors, EU regulatory implementation requirements, and limited pool of professionals with combined legal-technical qualifications.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

European AI Act and GDPR expertise is absolutely essential as these frameworks form the foundation of all research activities and will likely become global standards for AI governance Programming skills in R, Python, or Stata are crucial for conducting quantitative analysis of AI systems and processing large datasets related to infrastructure performance Qualitative research methodology expertise is vital for understanding stakeholder perspectives and conducting the expert interviews that form a core component of the research program Cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills are indispensable given the international nature of EU research consortiums and the need to work effectively across different legal and cultural contexts

Beneficial Skills

Experience with assistive technologies and robotics provides valuable context for understanding AI applications in physical infrastructure systems Additional European language skills, particularly Dutch, German, or French, enhance collaboration opportunities and access to diverse regulatory and academic communities Project management and grant writing experience support career advancement in academic research environments Industry experience in infrastructure management or technology implementation provides practical context for research applications

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to work at the intersection of AI technology and critical infrastructure law, a rapidly evolving field with significant policy impact potential
Direct involvement in shaping European AI governance frameworks through research that influences actual policy development and regulatory implementation
Access to extensive EU research networks and funding opportunities through established consortium relationships
Combination of academic research freedom with practical policy application, enabling both theoretical contribution and real-world impact
Integration of technical AI expertise with legal analysis in a way that few academic positions currently offer

Career Growth

Progression to senior research or policy roles typically occurs within 3-5 years, with academic faculty positions achievable within 5-7 years given the specialized expertise and growing market demand.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Fellow or Principal Investigator leading major EU research consortiums in AI governance Policy Advisor or Consultant positions with European institutions, national governments, or international organizations Academic faculty positions at leading European universities with specialization in technology law and AI governance Industry leadership roles in AI compliance and governance for major technology companies or consulting firms

Company Overview

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden University represents one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious academic institutions, with the eLaw center established in 1985 as a pioneering research unit in law and digital technologies. The center has built an international reputation for cutting-edge research at the intersection of law, technology, and society, consistently influencing European policy development in digital governance.

eLaw at Leiden University holds a leading position in European legal technology research, regularly contributing to EU policy development and maintaining strong networks with major European institutions, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders. The center's research directly influences European digital policy and regulatory frameworks.
Leiden's strategic location within the Netherlands provides exceptional access to European institutions, with proximity to The Hague's international legal community and strong connections to Brussels-based EU policymaking processes. This positioning enhances research impact and career networking opportunities.
Academic environment emphasizing intellectual freedom, collaborative research, and international engagement. The culture supports both rigorous academic research and practical policy impact, with strong emphasis on work-life balance and professional development.
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