The KU Leuven Centre for IT and IP Law (CiTiP) is a research unit of the Faculty of Law and Criminology, focused on the development of legal knowledge around the internet, new technologies, data, artificial intelligence, cyber security, etc. A small cluster around biotechnology, agriculture and intellectual property is currently under development. The whole group currently has more than 90 researchers working on numerous fundamental and applied projects and teaching in a Master of Intellectual Property and ICT Law.
Website unit
Project
CiTiP is looking for a doctoral researcher in the field of law, agriculture and technology. The researcher works on the regulation of data in the agri-food sector in Flanders and Europe. In collaboration with ILVO (the Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research) and selected companies from the Flemish agri-food sector, the researcher will gain insight into the business models of farmers, food processors and data service companies in agriculture and the food sector. The researcher will also gain insight into the various technological applications (big data, AI, platforms, etc.) that are used in the sector. Based on the needs of practice, the researcher formulates a relevant research question for the doctorate and, through interviews, inspiration sessions, legislative guides and legal data labs, the researcher develops a methodology for completing the doctorate.
Tasks
The researcher prepares a doctorate based on the dissertation, in line with the projects on agriculture and food that are currently running within CiTiP, and according to the conditions of the Faculty of Law and Criminology. The PhD is closely linked to the needs of ILVO and the economic partners who collaborate with ILVO and CiTiP. There is an interaction between input from practice, funding and academic output. CiTiP, together with ILVO and other partners, creates the conditions for conducting socially relevant research.
In the context of the PhD, the researcher helps with applying for research funding and preparing and finalising publications with the supervisor. The researcher assists the supervisor with teaching tasks (including thesis supervision, exam correction). The researcher participates in the research life at CiTiP (seminars, meetings, etc.). The researcher assists with the CiTiP projects that tie in with the PhD theme. The researcher familiarises the project partners, companies from the Flemish agri-food sector, with the EU regulations on precision agriculture. The researcher is present at project meetings.
Profile
- You are inquisitive and fascinated by the interaction between agriculture and law.
- You can creatively analyse legal problems in this area of law and offer constructive solutions.
- You possess academic skills in writing, reading, reasoning and analysis.
- You think practically and are able to bridge the gap between academic-legal analyses and the needs of companies.
- You are flexible and can work independently and as part of a team. You are communicative.
- You want to get involved within CiTiP (e.g. by setting up internal collaborations, participating in social activities,...).
- You have a Master's degree in Law. Relevant coursework is a plus.
- You obtained excellent results during your studies, especially for relevant subjects.
- You have knowledge of European, Belgian and Flemish ICT law, with a focus on data regulation, or you are willing to acquire such knowledge.
- You are fluent in both Dutch and English (oral and written). If your knowledge of one language is passive, your knowledge of the other language is excellent and you are willing to brush up your oral and written knowledge of your lesser language to the level required by the project, where you work with Flemish partners, from the beginning of your appointment.
- You are interested in pursuing a PhD degree.
Offer
- A stimulating and dynamic environment, characterised by a unique mix of independence, trust and support.
- Research experience that offers opportunities in the academic and non-academic labour market.
- The opportunity to write a PhD.
- A full-time appointment of one year as a PhD scholarship holder. You receive an attractive scholarship.
- As a scholarship holder, you also enjoy a number of staff benefits, such as a wide range of training and education options, an attractive leave scheme, insurance, a bicycle allowance, ecocheques, preferential rates for sports and cultural facilities, etc.
- Access to all university facilities.
Conditions for writing a PhD at the Faculty of Law and Criminology
Interested?
We ask:
• a resume (max. two pages)
• list of your study marks for your relevant degrees
• a cover letter (max. two pages)
In case there is more than one good candidate, a second round of interviews will be arranged.
For more information please contact Prof. Dr. Lodewijk Van Dycke, tel.: +32 16 32 12 82, mail: [email protected].
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
