DSA Research Fellow (Researcher)

Do you want to become a driving force behind the DSA Observatory? We are looking for a researcher with a profile in information law to join our team.

The “Digital Services Act (DSA) Observatory” acts as an independent hub of expertise on the new EU Digital Services Act Regulation. The DSA Observatory provides independent scholarly input and facilitates discussions regarding this important legislation, its implementation and enforcement. In particular, the DSA Observatory focuses on fundamental rights and democratic values as a means to confront platform power. In our current work we are focusing in particular on the operationalization of the risk management obligations in the DSA.

We are looking for a researcher to help manage the DSA Observatory. This includes engaging proactively with stakeholders, building productive working relationships with our international research partners, organise activities and events and build a network of academic as well as societal stakeholders. You will also have an active role in research, for example engaging in research on the way in which the risk-based approach in the DSA is put into practice. You will research emerging legal and regulatory developments and help to develop guidance with respect to this crucial area of the DSA framework.

About the DSA Observatory

The Digital Services Act (DSA) Observatory is a project run by the Institute for Information Law (IViR) at the University of Amsterdam, and was launched in 2021. The DSA Observatory is part of the “Digital Transformations of Decision-Making” research initiative of the Amsterdam Law School and contributes to the activities of the Digital Legal Lab, an interuniversity research centre on law and digital technologies run by a research network between four Dutch universities. The DSA Observatory has received funding from the Open Society Foundations and from the Civitates initiative (“Healthy Digital Public Sphere”) programme) and the European Platform Publics Research Network (a collaboration with the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society and the Hans-Bredow-Institut), funded by Stiftung Mercator.

The Observatory has followed the DSA political process closely. It engages with different stakeholders and brings together a broad network of platform regulation experts from academia, civil society, and government. The project generates regular analysis on the DSA and relevant developments, including blog posts, policy reports, academic articles, and events including expert workshops, panels and conferences.

For more information about the DSA Observatory, please find the website here.

What are you going to do

• Develop, conduct, and publish research on the DSA regulation and present on (inter)national conferences;
• Contribute to the public debate and organize activities of the DSA Observatory;
• Contribute to research collaborations, events, and grant applications.

Your profile

• Have a clear research interest in the topic of the project (documented by past activities, publications and grant applications);
• An excellent written and spoken command of English, as demonstrated by publications (written and spoken command of other European languages, including French, German and/or Dutch is a plus);
• The ability, willingness, and commitment to do autonomous work in a multidisciplinary team that includes legal scholars, communication scholars, and technical experts;
• Experience with stakeholder interactions, and organising workshops, lecture series, and/or similar events;
• Experience with the acquisition of external funding is a plus;
• A relevant master’s or PhD degree in information law, or a related field, and minimally 3-5 years of research experience in a relevant field.

If the vacancy appeals to you, but you are doubting whether you might be THE person we are looking for, please do apply. We encourage all qualified applicants, including minorities, women, people with disabilities, and members of other groups underrepresented in academia to apply. We are committed to creating an environment of mutual respect, inclusiveness, equal opportunities with room for situated experiences, diverse perspectives, and ideas to flourish. This commitment applies to our research, organisation, room for flexibility, training, and community activities as well as our hiring strategy.

Our offer

We offer a temporary part-time or full-time contract (32 – 38 hours) for the period of 2 years. The preferred starting date is by 1 October or 1 November 2024. A first round of interviews is planned for the end of August (29-30 August).

The gross monthly salary based on full-time employment (38 hours per week) ranges from €3.226 up to a maximum of €5.929 (salary scale 10 or 11). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year bonus. The starting salary will be based on qualifications, expertise and relevant experience. The profile Researcher 3 is applicable in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

What else do we offer

• A position where own initiative and input are highly valued;
• The ability to have an active part in setting up and shaping this new research center/initiative;
• An enthusiastic and dynamic team that is open to new colleagues;
• An inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

With over 5,000 students and more than 500 staff members, the Amsterdam Law School is one of the larger law faculties in the Netherlands. We educate lawyers who know how to apply the law effectively with the aim of making a real contribution to solving social problems.

The Amsterdam Law School stands for progressive and trail-blazing education and research, for stronger legal institutions, solutions to social problems and a better and juster society.  

The Institute for Information Law (IViR), officially established in 1989, is one of the largest research centers in the field of information law in the world. The Institute employs more than 40 researchers active in a spectrum of legal areas related to the information society: intellectual property law, platform regulation and telecommunications and broadcasting regulation, media law, advertising law, freedom of expression, right to research, privacy, digital consumer issues, commercial expressions, (generative) AI, etc. The Institute engages in groundbreaking research into fundamental and current aspects of information law and provides a forum for critical debate on the social, cultural and political aspects of regulating information markets.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the position, please contact:

• Prof. dr. Joris van Hoboken
  E: j.v.j.vanhoboken@uva.nl

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving motivation letter and cv. You can apply online via the link below. We will accept applications until July 15 2024.

The first round of application interviews will take place online in the end of August.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.