Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Intellectual Property Law

Do you want to immerse yourself in complex issues of author and research rights in the increasingly algorithmic and data-driven creation and dissemination of copyrighted content? And develop a research portfolio covering international and comparative perspectives on AI training, copyright data improvement and content recommender systems?

This postdoctoral research fellow position is part of the intellectual property research group at the Institute for Information Law, Amsterdam Law School, University of Amsterdam. With more than 40 researchers from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, the Institute for Information Law (IViR) is the largest research facility in the field of information law in Europe, and one of the largest of its kind in the world. The Institute’s mission is to further the development of information law into a balanced framework that accommodates the needs and interests of the information society. IViR researchers have a strong presence in European and international academic networks through a broad array of activities. They participate regularly in national and international research consortia and collaborate with non-legal disciplines such as economics, communications science, computer science, philosophy, digital humanities and the arts.

What are you going to do

You will conduct original, cutting-edge research in a variety of projects within the realm of copyright in collaboration with other researchers at the Institute, under supervision of its Directors. The spectrum of topics addressed in the projects ranges from the use of copyrighted material as data for AI training purposes and the debate surrounding text and data mining to machine substitution of human creative labour and author remuneration, open science and digital sovereignty of researchers, copyright data improvement and the prevention of biases in content recommender systems. Developing your own research portfolio, you will contribute substantively to the Institute’s publication record, present research at national and international fora, and pursue new research funding opportunities.

What do we require

• a PhD degree in the field of intellectual property law, information law or a related legal domain;
• proven experience in independently conducting legal research and affinity for copyright-related topics;
• academic publications;
• good knowledge of current developments in information markets and technology;
• creative mind and strong critical and analytical skills;
• excellent writing and communication skills;
• capacity to work independently and in teams;
• capacity to conduct research in a dynamic multidisciplinary environment;
• capacity and willingness to identify and pursue research funding opportunities;
• fluency in English, both orally and in writing;
• good command of Dutch preferred, but not required.

We offer an employment contract for 2 years with a probationary period of two months. The preferred starting date is 1 June 2023.

Your salary, depending on your relevant experience on commencement of the employment contract, ranges from €3974 to €5439 (scale 11) gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours.

This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.

About us

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 over 35 researchers who are active in an entire spectrum of information society related legal areas: intellectual property law, patents, telecommunications and broadcasting regulation, media law, Internet regulation, advertising law, domain names, freedom of expression, privacy, digital consumer issues, commercial speech, AI, blockchain, et cetera. The Institute engages in cutting-edge research into fundamental and topical aspects of information law, and provides a forum for critical debate about the social, cultural and political aspects of regulating information markets.

Committed, responsible and open-minded. This is how we at the Amsterdam Law School view the role of law in a constantly changing (international) society. With over 5,000 students and 550 staff, we are one of the larger law faculties in the Netherlands. We educate legal professionals who know how to apply the law effectively with the aim of actually contributing to solutions for society. We respond to social developments through innovative and pioneering research. In this way, we always keep in touch with society.

Curious about our organization? Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Prof. dr. Martin Senftleben, m.r.f.senftleben@uva.nl.

Job application

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 12 April 2023. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:

• a curriculum vitae and a list of 2-3 references that can be contacted in the process;
• a letter of motivation describing your background and interests relative to the position;
• one or two exemplary writing samples.

We will invite potential candidates for interviews within 2 weeks after the closing date.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise 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.

No agencies please.