RU CiTiP - Research Associate(s) (100% - senior/junior) - technology and law

The ongoing digitisation and increased interconnectedness (IoT, smart devices, intelligent transport systems, interconnected medical devices (‘IoMT’), …) of everyday life results in growing levels of cybercrime, and hence, a growing need for cybersecurity. To address these challenges, the Flemish Government has decided to set up the “Cybersecurity Initiative Flanders”, which includes a long-term strategic research programme on cybersecurity (see here for additional information). To improve impact, the research programme will entail both fundamental research and demand-driven research, carried out in close collaboration with industry and government, as well as regulators and policy makers to discuss appropriate governance.

As a partner in the strategic research programme for cybersecurity, CiTiP will be responsible for the legal research activities in the area of network, information and service security. This research will be carried out in close cooperation with the computer scientists and engineers at DistriNet (led by Prof. Wouter Joosen) and COSIC (led by Prof. Bart Preneel) of the KU Leuven Faculty of Engineering. The selected researchers will work on a variety of themes which include, but are not limited to, the legal issues surrounding identity management and the use of technologies such as biometrics and blockchain, data-protection and security-by-design, data-driven security measures, assessing new cryptographic solutions (like secure multi-party computation) in light of existing legal requirements under the European and national legislation on data protection, cybersecurity, critical infrastructures, the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime. 

The research position encompasses the following tasks:

• conducting fundamental and applied legal research in close cooperation with computer and data scientists;
• acting as a point of contact for and engaging with CiTiP’s partners in research programmes; 
• 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 (for new research projects and/or a doctoral dissertation);
• engaging in science communication towards non-legal experts, stakeholders, the public at large (e.g. though CiTiP’s blog);
• building research collaborations nationally and internationally to support the research programme; facilitating and participating in crosscutting research collaborations as appropriate;
• contributing to the overall activities of the Centre (taking on limited educational and teaching assignments, contributing to grant applications, participating in monthly group meetings, setting up internal workshops). 

As senior researcher, these responsibilities further include:

• coaching junior researchers and managing an internal research cluster;
• helping design and conducting innovative, world-class research and securing additional funding;
• representing the Centre in various fora, such as expert committees, policy groups and advisory boards at national and international level.

Are you captivated by the security and privacy aspects of the digital transformation of our society? Do you like to be on top of new legislative and policy developments in this area? Are you eager to play a role in these evolutions by expanding – through scientific research – the existing knowledge in Flanders and by contributing to the visibility of the Flemish research programme? And does your profile meet (most of) the requirements described below? If so, contact us to discuss how you can contribute to, and benefit from, the Cybersecurity Initiative Flanders! 

• You have obtained a Master’s Degree in Law, preferably with specialisation in ICT, IP, data protection law.
• You have a genuine interest in the interaction between law and technology, and a demonstrated desire to work in an interdisciplinary environment, collaborating with computer scientists and engineers.
• You have distinguished yourself during your academic studies and have obtained excellent grades.
• You have a critical, analytical and creative mind, and strong problem-solving skills.
• You are flexible and capable of working both individually and in a(n) (interdisciplinary) team.
• You can plan and organise your work independently in order to meet deadlines and prioritise where necessary; if needed, you can work under time pressure without losing respect for your colleagues and dedication to deliver high quality results.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (to be demonstrated by academic publications such as a Master’s thesis or academic articles, and/or practical briefs such as client memos and blog entries).
• Knowledge of the Dutch or French language is a plus. 

For the senior profile, you additionally:

• have obtained a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in Law in an area that is relevant for the Cybersecurity Initiative Flanders;
• have a demonstrated potential to lead and inspire others, for example, through mentoring, student supervision and/or peer initiatives; 
• have a demonstrated ability to define new research priorities, and experience with grant application to realise them.
• Knowledge of the Dutch or French language is a plus. 

• A stimulating and dynamic work environment characterised by a unique mixture of independence, trust and support.
• A favorable remuneration with numerous benefits such as end-of-year bonus, holiday bonus, paid leave, flexible holiday periods, insurance, mobility incentives, and discounts for sports and cultural facilities.
• Access to all facilities offered by the University.
• Full-time employment at KU Leuven, fixed term contract, starting contract of 1 year, to be renewed in case of continued positive evaluation and expressed interest in obtaining a PhD Degree – for the senior profile: idem, but with the realistic prospect of promoting to a permanent position as research expert at KU Leuven.

In case of problems with the online application, please contact solliciteren@kuleuven.be.