The International Institute of Air and Space Law (IIASL), in conjunction with the Civil Law Department of the Institute for Private Law and the Center for Law and Digital Technologies (eLaw) at Leiden University Faculty of Law, invites applications for a PhD Candidate position (0.8 – 1 fte) in Law and Innovative Air Mobility. The research project will focus on the legal challenges posed by Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) and the intersections between aviation and technology. The candidate will be responsible for researching the responsibility of and liability for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations within the European Union (EU) and assessing how IAM interacts with other modes of transport while ensuring regulations achieve a high level of safety and security, protecting third parties and the environment and defining the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders.
Key responsibilities for this full-time position include completing a PhD thesis within four years, presenting research results at workshops and conferences, participating in the institutional training program, co-organizing workshops and conferences, publishing in international law journals, and teaching within the IIASL, Civil Law, and/or eLaw program(s) (max. 10% of appointment). The successful applicant will have knowledge of aviation law, civil law (including tort and product liability), EU law, and/or international law, strong interest in IAM, UAS, and new technologies, well-developed research, writing and presentation skills, ability to work independently and in teams, proficient in computer skills, and excellent command of the English language (other languages, particularly Dutch, are a plus).
The PhD candidate will be supervised by researchers within IIASL, Civil Law and eLaw, and embedded in these departments to benefit from their expertise and work together with other researchers from these departments. The Leiden University’s Faculty of Law values diversity and inclusion, enabling all students and staff to feel valued and respected while developing their full potential, and welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.
This full-time position is for one year initially, but can be extended by a further three years upon a positive thesis evaluation, personal capabilities, and compatibility. The salary ranges from € 2.541 to € 3.247 gross per month (pay scale P) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities and comes with added benefits such as additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development, sabbatical leave, and a dual career program for international spouses. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
Interested applicants must submit their cover letter, curriculum vitae (including publications), research proposal, copy of written work, and two academic references’ names and contact information in English and PDF format via the application system’s blue button no later than 9 July 2023, quoting the vacancy number. An interview with the search committee is part of the procedure. Acquisition following this advertisement is not appreciated