Postdoc on Law & Responsible AI for Critical Infrastructure Leiden University in Netherlands

Leiden University’s eLaw – Center for Law and Digital Technologies at Leiden Law School invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position focused on Law & Responsible AI for Critical Infrastructure. This 0.8–1.0 FTE postdoc will contribute to the Horizon Europe project AI:Liner, which addresses the responsible development and governance of AI within the wastewater management lifecycle. The position is for up to 24 months, starting no later than 1 September 2026, with a 1-year initial contract and potential extension based on performance.

Europe’s sewer networks face significant challenges due to aging infrastructure, limited inspection capacity, and high rehabilitation costs. The AI:Liner project aims to leverage digitalization and AI-driven solutions to improve resilience and efficiency in sewer asset management. However, these innovations raise important legal, ethical, and social concerns, including automation impacts, workforce changes, accountability, transparency, and trust. The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in addressing these issues, focusing on workforce impacts, AI governance and regulatory compliance (including the EU Artificial Intelligence Act), data governance, and the integration of ethical and legal requirements into AI-supported sewer management.

As part of the eLaw research team, the postdoc will collaborate with an interdisciplinary group, including a data scientist and a legal scholar, to tackle the legal, technical, and governance dimensions of responsible AI for critical infrastructure. Responsibilities include conducting legal and socio-technical research, analyzing legal, ethical, and social risks, mapping current practices, conducting expert interviews and stakeholder surveys, and contributing to the development of governance and compliance frameworks for trustworthy AI. The researcher will also help develop assessment tools (such as ALTAI), contribute legal and governance expertise to an online platform for AI compliance, engage with policymakers and standard-makers, and support the creation of training materials (including a MOOC) on AI governance and workforce implications.

The position offers opportunities to publish high-quality research papers, participate in public engagement, and contribute to teaching activities at eLaw, such as guest lectures or master thesis supervision. The researcher will be based at Leiden University, one of Europe’s leading research universities, and will work in the inspiring environment of Leiden Law School, known for its diverse and high-level teaching and research. The Center for Law and Digital Technologies (eLaw) is a leader in research and education on law and digital technologies, focusing on the interplay between digital technologies, fundamental rights, and the rule of law.

Applicants must have a completed (or near-completed) PhD in law, law & technology, technology governance, or a closely related field, with expertise in AI regulation, digital governance, or responsible AI, preferably in the context of critical infrastructure. Strong knowledge of the European AI Act and EU digital regulation, experience with empirical legal or socio-legal research, and excellent research and writing skills are required. Candidates must be willing to relocate to the Netherlands and travel internationally. Proficiency in English is essential; knowledge of other European languages, including Dutch, is an advantage.

The position offers a competitive salary (€3546–€5538 gross per month), holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, pension scheme, full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs, flexible working hours, generous leave days, options for sabbatical or paid parental leave, and a dual career programme for international spouses. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. Leiden University values inclusivity and personal development, providing a transparent and supportive work environment.

Applications must be submitted online by 9 April 2026. Required documents include a motivation letter (max 3 pages), updated CV with publications and outreach activities, and names of 2 referees. For job-related questions, contact Dr. Carlotta Rigotti at [email protected]. For procedural questions, contact [email protected]. For more information, visit Leiden University job application procedure and employment conditions.