PhD Position in Space Law and Artificial Intelligence

AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary 3,204–4,051 EUR gross per month

0.8–1.0 FTE

Contract 1 year, with possibility to 4

Collaboration with industry (Caeli BV)

International advisory board

8% holiday allowance

8.3% end-of-year bonus

Sports facilities

Commuting allowance

Job summary

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) invites applications for a Doctoral researcher position within EO-TRUST. You will conduct independent research on the legal and ethical governance of AI-enabled Earth Observation, examining space law, EU AI regulation and related frameworks to address resilience and trustworthy use of satellite data.

The role includes mapping legal frameworks, engaging with government and industry stakeholders, and contributing to publications and policy outputs.

Qualifications

• Completed LL.M. or equivalent master's degree in law.
• Strong analytical and legal research abilities.
• Excellent written and spoken English; capacity to convey complex ideas clearly.

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, the EU Space Act, the EU AI Act and relevant security and military law.
• Conduct doctrinal and empirical research, including interviews with government, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to academic publications, policy outputs, conferences, and development of principles for responsible and explainable AI-enabled Earth Observation.
• Engage with multidisciplinary environment connecting law with Earth Observation, AI and computer science.

Skills

Legal research skills

Multidisciplinary collaboration

English communication

Analytical thinking

Education

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

Job description

Organisation/Company Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) Research Field Juridical sciences » International law Juridical sciences » European law Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 27 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 38.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

You will conduct doctoral research within EO-TRUST , a €1 million multidisciplinary project funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), led by Dr Ioana Bratu. Your research will examine the legal and ethical dimensions of AI-enabled Earth Observation, focusing on how space law, AI regulation and related legal frameworks address questions of resilience, responsibility and trustworthy use of satellite data. You will work in a multidisciplinary environment connecting law with Earth Observation, artificial intelligence and computer science.
Your duties

• 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, the EU Space Act, the EU AI Act and relevant security and military law
• conduct doctrinal and empirical research, including interviews and engagement with governmental, regulatory, academic and industry stakeholders
• contribute to academic publications, policy outputs, conferences, workshops and the development of principles for responsible and explainable AI-enabled Earth Observation
• a completed LL.M. or equivalent master's degree in law, preferably with a specialisation or demonstrated interest in technology (AI) law, space law, EU law or public international law
• strong academic research and legal analytical skills, with an interest in collaborating in a multidisciplinary environment
• knowledge of, or a demonstrable interest in, the legal and regulatory implications of space activities and artificial intelligence
• experience or an interest in empirical legal research and in working with stakeholders from government, industry and technical disciplines
• excellent written and spoken English and the ability to communicate legal research clearly to both academic and non-academic audiences

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Additional Information

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.204 (Scale 85 PhD.) and maximum € 4.051 (Scale 85 PhD.) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, the possibility of expansion to a total of 4 years.
• the possibility to engage and collaborate with industry and governmental stakeholders as part of the EO-TRUST project. For example, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on industry expertise at Caeli BV, as an intern.
• you will benefit from international insights offered by a renowned Advisory Board, as part of the EO-TRUST project. Members include representatives from ESA, the European Commission, EUSPA, the European Parliament, top AI policy & governmental advisors and space law advisors and academics.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• contribution to commuting expenses

Additional comments

The start date of the position is 1 February 2027. For questions about the position, please contact Dr Ioana Bratu, [e-mail].

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.