Postdoc on the Policy Framework for Onboarding Ethical Hackers University of Luxembourg in Luxembourg

The University of Luxembourg’s Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance is advertising a postdoctoral researcher position in the Department of Law for the SAFEHACK (Safe Access Framework for Ethical HACKers) project. The post is based in Luxembourg and focuses on the legal and policy framework for onboarding ethical hackers, with particular attention to national policies, CVD policies, and bug bounty programmes in the EU.

The successful candidate will work in a highly international, multilingual research environment at the University of Luxembourg, a university positioned at the intersection of European institutions, industry, and policy networks. The project aims to map and compare legal and policy approaches and to develop draft legislation and policy recommendations at Luxembourg, EU, and international level to help create a protective framework for ethical hackers and improve the security posture of government and critical sectors.

The postdoctoral researcher will work under the supervision of Professor Niovi Vavoula (Chair in Cyber Policy), together with Dr Sergio Coronado (Adjunct Professor at the U and Luxembourg Tech School A.s.b.l.). The role includes drafting research papers, preparing scientific materials for project meetings, contributing to project event organisation, publishing articles, presenting at conferences, assisting with teaching for one to three hours per week, tutoring students, supporting new research proposals, providing research assistance, and coordinating young researchers in the same field.

Eligibility is highly specific: applicants must hold a PhD in Law, with specialisation in Cybersecurity law, IT law, or Law & Technology. Candidates without a legal background are not eligible. The university is also seeking a strong interest in cyber law and policy, including cybersecurity, cyber defence, cybercrime, and cyber sovereignty, together with demonstrated ability to conduct research independently at postdoctoral level. Good IT skills are required, along with excellent English (C1). Knowledge of a second language, preferably French or German, at B1 level is considered an advantage.

The appointment is a fixed-term contract of 24 months with full-time work (40 hours per week). The yearly gross salary for a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Luxembourg is stated as EUR 87,306. The position is located at the Weicker Building in Luxembourg. Applications must be submitted online via the HR system; email applications are not accepted.

Applicants should prepare a CV with full bibliography, a motivation cover letter tailored to the advertised project, PhD diploma or expected defence information, degree certificates and transcripts with grades, contact details for up to three referees, and a list of publications including open-access links where available. Early applications are encouraged because applications are processed upon receipt.