Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x) in Technology and Regulation

Plattnerfoundation; Oxford; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to explore the intersection of technology and regulation. This role involves conducting cutting-edge research on ethical, legal, and social aspects of AI and contributing to impactful publications. The position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading scholars and policymakers in a vibrant research environment. Ideal candidates will possess a doctoral degree in Law, strong analytical and writing skills, and a passion for teaching. Join this innovative institute to make a significant impact in the field of technology regulation.

Benefits

Medical/dental coverage

Health insurance

Access to libraries and museums

Access to athletic facilities

Professional development support

Strong academic coaching

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree or near completion in Law or related field.
• Research experience with a track record of publications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interdisciplinary research on technology regulation.
• Collaborate with national and international researchers.

Skills

Research experience

Excellent writing skills

Analytical skills

Presentation skills

Self-motivated

Education

Doctoral degree in Law or related field

Tools

AI technologies

Legal frameworks

Job description

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HPI is recognized as one of the leading university institutes for computer science (www.hpi.de). Our goal is to strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty with excellent research and practice-oriented teaching in computer science. At HPI, we are convinced that excellence is created when knowledge from different disciplines is collaboratively combined to create responsible and pioneering solutions for the future.
In our research clusters "Systems," "Data and AI," "Foundations," "Digital Health," and "Security," researchers from various disciplines work together on topics relevant to solving the challenges facing society. The Digital Engineering Faculty of the University of Potsdam and HPI offers a computer science engineering degree program that is unique in Germany.

In the course of its strong growth, the Hasso Plattner Institute is looking for the earliest possible start date for a

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x) in Technology and Regulation

This full-time position is available immediately for 36 months, with possibility of renewal thereafter. The position is located at HPI in Potsdam and the candidate is expected to move to Germany to take up the position. Sponsorship for a work visa can be provided.The salary is based on TV-L E 14.

Humboldt Professor Prof. Dr. Sandra Wachter, (MSc Oxon) – the Chair of the Department of Technology and Regulation at the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) – is currently seeking to fill a postdoctoral research position and is inviting applications from excellent candidates working at the intersection of law, policy, technology and innovation. This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated and talented individual to conduct cutting-edge and interdisciplinary research and contribute to publications in international and peer-reviewed journals and conferences. A clear commitment to teaching is just as important as the desire to contribute to knowledge transfer (e.g. interaction with policy makers, NGOs and industry).

The post-holder will report in the first instance to Prof. Dr. Sandra Wachter (HPI/Oxford). Additionally, the post will require collaboration with the Governance of Emerging Technologies (GET) research program at the Oxford Internet Institute at the University of Oxford, in particular with Prof. Brent Mittelstadt (Oxford), and Prof. Chris Russell (Oxford) as well as with other national and international researchers and stakeholders from government, civil society and industry.

The post-holder will work on some of the following and related areas

• Ethical, legal, and social aspects of AI, generative AI and other emergent technologies;
• The societal impacts of generative AI and hallucinations in areas such as the workplace, misinformation, free press, academia, and human rights;
• European law, including the AI Act, Digital Services Act (DSA), Digital Markets Act (DMA), Product Liability Directive (PLD), and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR);
• US technology regulation and policies;
• Big Tech and Internet platform regulation including antitrust and liability;
• Explainable AI and algorithmic accountability;
• Algorithmic bias, diversity, and fairness;
• Supporting teaching of Bachelors and Masters courses

Your Qualifications

• Hold, or be near completion, a doctoral degree in Law, or a related field
• Ability to assess and review relevant academic literature, laws and jurisprudence, codes of ethics, self-regulatory regimes, and policy papers
• Excellent command of spoken and written English. Working language is English. German language skills are desirable, but not necessary
• Excellent writing, presentation, and analytical skills
• Research experience in a relevant area and a track record of publications appropriate to the candidate’s career stage
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, and to work to deadlines
• Willingness to support teaching of our Bachelors and Masters courses
• Willingness to mentor Bachelors, Masters and doctoral students
• Interest in the organization of events (e.g. lectures, conferences, workshops) and administrative activities
• Desirable: Relevant expertise or experience with policy-making or knowledge exchange with policy-makers, civil society, and the tech industry
• Desirable: Expertise in US technology law

What we offer

The Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) is Germany’s center of excellence for digital engineering where world-renowned fundamental and cutting edge research meets knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship. HPI offers an engineering computer science program that is unique in Germany and particularly practice-oriented. The institute is located near Berlin, which offers a variety of educational opportunities, recreation, tourism, and culture.

• An opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and design and prepare publications in areas such as fairness, accountability, and transparency in machine learning and AI, product liability, and/or public sector technology procurement
• Strong academic coaching and highly competitive salaries
• An inspiring scientific environment with a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere
• Support when presenting papers at conferences or public meetings
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a newly founded AI lab for software engineering, and opportunities to work on research projects with leading business partners and international academic institutions
• Opportunity to build up your network with policy-makers, NGOs, C-level executives and world-leading scholars from all around the world
• Professional development support, such as training on writing grant proposals, teaching, community outreach, and mentoring
• A range of benefits and services, including medical/dental coverage, health insurance, and access to HPI's libraries, museums, and athletic facilities

Have we caught your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your application documents. The application should include a cover letter (max 3 pages) detailing your fit with each of the essential qualifications, CV, list of publications, and contact information for two referees. Please apply exclusively via our careers page. The application deadline is 15.06.2025. The digital interviews are scheduled from 30.06.2025.

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