PhD in Space Law & AI: Trustworthy Earth Observation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday leave 232 hours/year (full‑tim

8% holiday allowance

8.3% end-of-year bonus

Pension ABP

Sports facilities

Commuting expense support

Job summary

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam invites applications for a PhD position at the Amsterdam Space Law and Sustainability Center. The researcher will investigate the legal and ethical governance of AI-enabled Earth Observation within the EO-TRUST project, engaging with multiple stakeholders and contributing to publications and policy outputs.

The role emphasizes a strong interdisciplinary approach, collaboration with government, industry and academia, and a commitment to responsible, explainable AI in

Qualifications

• LL.M. or equivalent master's degree in law with tech/space focus.
• Strong academic research and legal analytical skills.
• Knowledge of space activities and AI regulatory implications.
• Experience with empirical legal research and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and spoken English for academic and non-academic audiences.

Responsibilities

• conduct independent doctoral research on the legal and ethical governance of AI-enabled Earth Observation
• map and analyse applicable legal frameworks including international space law, EU Space Act, EU AI Act and security/military law
• conduct doctrinal and empirical research including interviews with government, regulatory, academic and industry stakeholders
• contribute to academic publications, policy outputs, conferences, workshops and AI-enabled Earth Observation principles
• contribute to Amsterdam Law & Technology Institute and Amsterdam Space Law & Sustainability Center activities.

Education

LL.M. or equivalent master's degree in law with tech/space focus

Job description

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam invites applications for a PhD position at the Amsterdam Space Law and Sustainability Center. The researcher will investigate the legal and ethical governance of AI-enabled Earth Observation within the EO-TRUST project, engaging with multiple stakeholders and contributing to publications and policy outputs.

The role emphasizes a strong interdisciplinary approach, collaboration with government, industry and academia, and a commitment to responsible, explainable AI in