Do you want to study international legal dynamics relating to the development of quantum technolgies?

This postdoctoral research fellow position will be based at the Amsterdam Center for International Law and will be part of the new research group on the law and governance of quantum technologies at the Institute for Information Law, Amsterdam Law School, University of Amsterdam.

The research group is a part of Action line 4 on the Ethical, Legal And Societal Aspects of Quantum Technologies of the Quantum Delta NL ecosystem. At the Amsterdam Center for International Law of the University of Amsterdam you will collaborate with other members of the research group based at the Institute for Information Law (IViR), as well as other relevant research initiatives such as the Asser Institute in The Hague, the Critical Infrastructure Lab and Quantum. You will have a workspace at the department of International and European Public law.

What are you going to do

This Post-doc position will examine legal questions and dynamics raised by quantum technologies in light of emerging practices of digital sovereignty, in particular in relation to digital infrastructure. The Post-doc is intended to explore and analyze ways in which emerging legal frameworks associated with digital sovereignty impact the development and distribution of quantum technologies, and the ways in which quantum technologies impact the development of legal and socio-technical frameworks associated with digital sovereignty. The research will be multi-disciplinary in nature, anchored in International and European law.

Digital sovereignty consistently signals at least two things: an enduring ideal of autonomy, classically associated with state sovereignty under international law; and an ambition to transpose prerogatives associated with state sovereignty under international law into domains where classical state sovereignty has been destabilized by digital technologies. Practices associated with digital sovereignty arguably reflect a relocation of powers and prerogatives associated with classical sovereignty into networked ecologies of information flows and digital technologies. Also transposed are classically unequal and colonial distributions of power and resources, lately identified with the Digital Divide. Against the backdrop of these issues and controversies, the Post-doc will research the mutual relationship between emerging quantum technologies and the emerging doctrine of digital sovereignty.

The research fellow will be part of Amsterdam Center for International Law and the research group on the Law and Governance of Quantum Technologies at the Institute for Information Law (IViR) at the Faculty of Law of the University of Amsterdam. You will conduct original, cutting-edge research into the socio-technical and legal aspects of quantum technologies with a focus on emerging (international) governance discussions relating to quantum technology and its development. And you will participate in relevant fora for the governance of quantum technologies, contributing to the mission of responsible quantum technology development.

What do we require

• a completed PhD degree in law or other relevant field;
• a knowledgeable curiosity for developments in quantum technologies, and demonstrable expertise and experience in conducting research in (international) law and technology;
• excellent academic credentials, as demonstrated by grades and/or curriculum vitae;
• a creative mind and strong critical and analytical skills;
• an interest in working across disciplines, using different methods, and collaborations with other relevant disciplines;
• strong communication skills and a dedication to contributing to diverse and inclusive team dynamics;
• excellent language skills in English and one or more other languages;

If the vacancy appeals to you, but you are doubting whether you might be THE person we are looking for, please do apply. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

Our offer

We offer a temporary full-time contract for the period of 2 years divided by 1+1 year contract (with a probationary period of two months). The preferred starting date is 1 January 2024, with a possibility to start earlier.

Your salary, depending on your relevant experience on commencement of the employment contract, ranges between €4332 to €5929 gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This amount already includes the increase as of 1 August due to the result of the CLA NU 2023 negotiations. This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

The Amsterdam Law School prides itself on its international orientation and strong social commitment. This is reflected by both its research and educational activities. The Amsterdam Law School offers three Bachelor’s programs, including the interdisciplinary English-language Bachelor Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics (PPLE) in cooperation with two other faculties, as well as a variety of Master's programs, several of which are taught exclusively in English (i.e. International and European Law, European Private Law, International Criminal Law, and Law & Finance). The Amsterdam Law School prepares students for a wide variety of legal careers including law firms, government, business and industry, the national and international judiciary, public service, human rights advocacy, and academia. With 5000 students and over 500 staff members, it is one of the largest law faculties in the Netherlands.

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Dr. Andrea Leiter, a.b.leiter@uva.nl

Prof. Dr. Joris van Hoboken, j.v.j.vanhoboken@uva.nl

Job application

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please.