PhD: Governing AI-Driven Earth Observation

Vrije Universiteit; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance 8%

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

ABP pension

Sports facilities

Commuting cost contribution

Job summary

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam invites applications for a doctoral position within the EO-TRUST project. You will conduct independent research on the legal and ethical governance of AI-enabled Earth Observation, analyzing international space law, EU AI Act, and related frameworks while engaging with government, industry and academic stakeholders.

You will contribute to publications, policy outputs and interdisciplinary collaborations through the Amsterdam Law & Technology Institute and the

Qualifications

• Completed LL.M. or equivalent master’s degree in law, preferably with technology (AI) or space law focus.
• Strong academic research and legal analytical skills, with ability to work across disciplines.
• Knowledge of or interest in legal/regulatory implications of space activities and AI.
• Experience or interest in empirical legal research and stakeholder engagement from government, industry and technical fields.
• Excellent written and spoken English and ability to communicate legal research clearly to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent doctoral research on the legal and ethical governance of AI-enabled Earth Observation.
• Map and analyse applicable legal frameworks (international space law, EU Space Act, EU AI Act, security/military law).
• Carry out doctrinal and empirical research, including interviews with governmental, regulatory, academic and industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to publications, policy outputs, conferences and workshops for responsible and explainable AI-enabled Earth Observation.
• Collaborate with Amsterdam Law & Technology Institute and Amsterdam Space Law & Sustainability Center.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical skills

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Interviews with stakeholders

English proficiency

Education

LL.M. or equivalent master’s degree in law

Job description

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam invites applications for a doctoral position within the EO-TRUST project. You will conduct independent research on the legal and ethical governance of AI-enabled Earth Observation, analyzing international space law, EU AI Act, and related frameworks while engaging with government, industry and academic stakeholders.

You will contribute to publications, policy outputs and interdisciplinary collaborations through the Amsterdam Law & Technology Institute and the