Assistent-professor

Tilburg University; Tilburg; Hybrid; EUR 57,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working with campus days

Home internet allowance

Moving allowance

Job summary

Tilburg University invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Law, Security and Artificial Intelligence. The role combines research and teaching, with potential to collaborate on AI and security projects and supervise students.

You will develop original research within the TILT framework, contribute to the Law School, and participate in education in both Dutch and English, with a 40–50% teaching share and 10% administration.

Qualifications

• PhD in law with specialization or demonstrable experience in human rights, law enforcement and security.
• Demonstrable research experience in new technologies including AI.
• Outstanding research qualities with publication record; sound teaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and teaching in AI, law and security, contributing to policy-relevant research.
• Develop and supervise research projects and liaise with TILT and Law School colleagues.

Skills

PhD in law

Human rights expertise

AI technologies

Research publication track

UTQ willingness

Teaching skills

Networking in security

Policy impact

English & Dutch (C1)

Leadership

Education

PhD in law

Job description

in Law, Security and Artificial Intelligence

Department: Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology, and Society (TILT)

Contract size: 0,8 -1,0 FTE (32 - 40 hours per week)

Contract duration: 12 months (internal candidates), 18 months (external candidates) with the prospect of a permanent contract

Desired starting date: November 1, 2026

Your position

We are looking for an enthusiastic colleague in the field of Law, Security and Artificial Intelligence! Will you be our next Assistant Professor to contribute to research and teaching in this domain? Do you like working in a team and want to make an impact with your research? This is your chance! The position involves both research and teaching, with the opportunity to collaborate on existing research projects in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and/or security and develop new ones. The use of Artificial Intelligence in the areas of law enforcement and national security is increasing. AI is enhancing the potential and applications used for predictive policing and surveillance, as well as data mining and threat detection to name some of the most prominent uses. This position will enable you to develop top‑notch research in the areas of AI and security in the aforementioned areas and beyond.

Your profile

Artificial Intelligence has enhanced the capabilities of policing, surveillance and law enforcement activities, while at the same time it poses significant risks and challenges. Besides the risks for privacy and data protection, the use of AI raises concerns on bias and discrimination and reliability of electronic evidence in criminal investigations, while transparency and accountability are difficult to achieve. There is a great need for further research in this field, which, acknowledging the potential benefits from the use of AI in enhancing surveillance, crime prevention and prediction, or safeguarding national security, will ensure that these take place in full respect of fundamental rights and the rule of law. The candidate is expected to develop original, fundamental research as well as engage in policy‑relevant research. The candidate must have experience in the field of human rights, ideally with expertise on surveillance, national security, law enforcement activities and electronic evidence, and the increasing use of AI in these fields. We especially encourage candidates who bring professional experience from these fields to apply. The research of the candidate will be linked to the TILT Signature Research Plan: Regulating Socio‑Technical Change. This is a forward‑looking research program that seeks to shape the Department’s agenda for research and policy at the intersection of law, regulation, and technology. The candidate is also expected to collaborate in and develop research projects together with others at TILT, working on Technology and Fundamental Rights. The successful candidate will develop and grow in research as well as in education, both individually and as part of a team of ambitious scholars. Tilburg University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ).

The candidate will also contribute to research on commissioned projects, take the initiative to write tenders and research proposals to acquire new research projects, and conduct research for various studies. The candidate will work in close collaboration with the rest of the staff in preparing activities and events, including initiatives for professional learning.

TILT offers a Master Program in Law & Technology and contributes to several other Master`s and Bachelor`s programs. The candidate will contribute to teaching courses that TILT is involved in and will be supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s thesis students and may be asked to assist in the supervision of PhD projects. The candidate will also take the lead or contribute to professional education in the fields of their expertise. Such professional education will be provided in both Dutch and English. The intended ratio between teaching and research is roughly 40%-50%, with the remaining 10% for administrative duties.

The successful candidate is expected to have:

• a PhD in law, or a manuscript accepted by the PhD committee, with a specialisation or demonstrable experience in human rights, law enforcement, and security;
• demonstrable research experience in the field of new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence;
• outstanding research qualities manifest in an established or developing publication record;
• sound teaching skills and experience in higher education;
• a UTQ or the willingness to acquire a UTQ within 2 years;
• an excellent network of academics and professionals in the field of security/law enforcement, both domestically and internationally;
• a proven drive for societal and policy impact;
• professional experience in the private/public sector is considered an asset;
• an excellent command of written and spoken English and Dutch (both C1);
• scientific integrity and contribute to an open and diversified academic culture;
• commitment to being an active member of our team and the department, and to integrate into the environment provided by the department and the Law School;
• demonstrate personal leadership: you take responsibility for your work and career and possess a good level of self‑knowledge.

As Tilburg University provides in‑person and hybrid education, the starting point is that all employees perform their work in the Netherlands. The candidate moves to the Netherlands before the start of the employment. TILT values team science and serendipity. The candidate is therefore expected to be on campus three days a week.

What do we offer?

Tilburg University offers excellent benefits in a pleasant working environment:

• Employment of 0,8 - 1.0 fte (32 - 40 hours per week).
• Salary between € 4.728,00 and € 6.433,00 gross per month for full‑time employment (UFO‑profile Assistant Professor 2, salary scale 11). Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system based on relevant work experience.
• This is a vacancy for a structural position in accordance with Article 2.3 paragraph 1 of the CLA DU. You will be given a temporary contract for the duration of 12 months (internal candidates) or 18 months (external candidates). If, in the opinion of the employer, you perform well, there is continuation in the same position and equal financial and organisational conditions, you will be given a permanent contract after this.
• Vacation pay of 8% and a year‑end bonus of 8.3%.
• Over 8 weeks of vacation leave.
• Hybrid working with home working allowance (€2 p/day) and internet allowance (€25 p/month).
• Reimbursement for sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transportation.
• Options model for additional leave, pension, a bicycle or personal training.
• Moving allowance (subject to conditions).
• 30% rule for international employees (if applicable).
• Pension through ABP.
• Ample training offer: personal development, leadership, education, research or language courses.
• Inclusive work culture: everyone welcome, equal opportunities.
• A green, inviting campus that’s easily accessible by public transport.

For more information, please see our website and the CLA Dutch Universities.

Information and application

Would you like to know more before applying? Feel free to contact Prof. Eleni Kosta at [e-mail].

We kindly invite you to apply before September 13, 2026;this can only be done online.

In order to make a good selection, we ask you to provide the following documents:

• Letter of motivation addressed to Prof. dr. mr. Nicola Jägers
• Resume
• Publication list and two publications in English or Dutch
• Research plan for the next 5 years (between 1000-2000 words)
• Contact details of at least two referees (we only approach referees for candidates invited to the second round of interviews)

We look forward to your application.

The selection of applications will take place within one week of the closing date. You will be notified as soon as possible thereafter. The selection interview will take place in person on September 30, 2026 between 13:00 and 17:00. You will, therefore, be expected to be present in person on location in Tilburg.

Tilburg Law School uses structured interviews, conducted by a standing Appointment and Promotion Committee (APC) supplemented by a member from TILT. The selection committee for this vacancy consists of the following members:

• Dr. Sjors Ligthart LLM, member APC

You will ideally start working for Tilburg University on November 1, 2026.

This job posting has been published simultaneously internally and externally. In case of equal suitability, our preference is for an internal candidate. A second interview or assessment may be part of the procedure.

About Tilburg University

Tilburg University is an academic, inclusive, and engaged community. Together with nearly 3,000 employees, we are committed to broad prosperity, sustainably, and inclusion. For current and future generations. We develop and share knowledge for the requirements of people and our society. This is how we contribute to solving complex social issues and help society move forward.

We educate our 19,500 students of 110 nationalities to become responsible leaders with knowledge, skills, and character. With our education and research for broad prosperity, we exceedingly focus on themes such as mental and preventive care, an inclusive labour market, the energy transition, and digitalization.