Wim Hardyns

Ghent University invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in the Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law, focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence and crime analysis. This opportunity is part of the ERC-funded BIGDATPOL project, led by Professor Wim Hardyns, which aims to advance AI-driven analysis, modelling, and decision support in the domain of crime and security across European cities. The project addresses the challenges of applying AI techniques to real-world crime and security data, which are often heterogeneous, noisy, incomplete, or strategically manipulated. The research will explore a broad range of AI methods, including machine learning, statistical learning, computer vision, sensor-based data analysis, natural language processing, large language models, and hybrid, interpretable, and human-centred AI approaches. The emphasis is on scientific innovation, interpretability, and societal responsibility, rather than narrow technical optimisation. As a doctoral researcher, you will develop and evaluate AI-based models and methods for analysing crime-related data, explore AI approaches for risk modelling, pattern recognition, and anomaly detection, and contribute to interpretable and transparent AI solutions for complex decision environments. You will work with diverse data sources, including spatial, temporal, textual, and sensor-based data, collaborate in an interdisciplinary team, interact with public and institutional partners, and disseminate research through international publications and conferences. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, statistics, engineering, applied mathematics, economics, sociology, psychology, criminology, safety sciences, or a related field. Final-year Master’s students are also eligible. Candidates should demonstrate experience with or a strong interest in AI methods and computational modelling, affinity with domains such as machine learning, computer vision, NLP, LLMs, explainable AI, or hybrid AI, and willingness to work with real-world, imperfect, and socially sensitive data. Analytical and independent working style, team spirit, and strong communication skills in English are essential; Dutch is an asset. The position offers a 6-month initial appointment, followed by a 4-year contract upon positive evaluation, with a competitive salary and employment conditions according to Ghent University scales. The research environment is stimulating and interdisciplinary, with strong support for international publications, conferences, and advanced training. The starting date is flexible, from 1 May 2026. To apply, submit your CV, grades for individual courses, and motivation letter by 8 March 2026 (23:59 CET) to [email protected]. For questions, contact the same email address. More information about the project can be found at www.bigdatpol.com . Application link: https://academicpositions.com/#apply .

Ghent University invites applications for a fully funded doctoral fellowship in the Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law, focusing on the legal and regulatory challenges of artificial intelligence in crime and security. This position is part of the ERC-funded BIGDATPOL project, led by Professor Wim Hardyns, which investigates how AI-driven analytical and decision-support systems can be developed and deployed in compliance with European law, fundamental rights, and ethical principles. The research will address profound legal, regulatory, and ethical questions arising from the use of artificial intelligence in policing, law enforcement, and crime prevention. Key areas include data protection and privacy law, AI-specific regulation and governance, and fundamental rights and proportionality in law enforcement contexts. The project involves close collaboration with technical researchers, public authorities, and institutional partners across Europe. As a doctoral researcher, you will analyze the legal and ethical frameworks governing AI, data analytics, and risk-based systems in crime and security contexts. You will examine European legislation such as the GDPR, AI Act, and Law Enforcement Directive, conduct legal risk analyses, contribute to impact assessments, and develop guidelines for privacy-by-design and compliance-by-design. The role also includes monitoring regulatory developments, participating in interdisciplinary collaboration, and disseminating research results through scientific publications, policy outputs, and international conferences. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in law or a closely related field with a strong legal component (e.g., criminology, public administration, governance studies). Final-year Master’s students are eligible. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of or strong interest in data protection law, AI regulation, and the legal framework governing law enforcement and surveillance. Strong academic writing and communication skills in English are required; Dutch is an asset. Experience with legal risk assessments, impact assessments, or regulatory compliance analysis is considered an advantage. The position offers a 6-month initial appointment, followed by a 4-year contract upon positive evaluation. You will benefit from high scientific autonomy, strong support for international publications, conferences, and advanced training, and a stimulating interdisciplinary environment at the intersection of law, AI, and social sciences. Competitive salary and employment conditions are provided according to Ghent University scales. The starting date is flexible, from 1 May 2026. To apply, submit your CV, grades for individual courses, and motivation letter before 8 March 2026 (23:59 CET) to [email protected]. For further information or questions, contact the same email address. More details about the project can be found at www.bigdatpol.com . Application link: https://academicpositions.com/#apply .

Ghent University is inviting applications for a PhD/Researcher position in Responsible AI and Law in Crime & Security, as part of the ERC-funded BIGDATPOL project led by Prof. Wim Hardyns. The project investigates the legal, regulatory, and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence in high-stakes societal domains such as policing, law enforcement, and crime prevention. The research will focus on data-driven risk systems, AI decision-making, fundamental rights, GDPR, and the AI Act. The successful candidate will analyze legal and ethical frameworks governing AI in crime and security contexts, examine European legislation (GDPR, AI Act, Law Enforcement Directive), conduct legal risk and impact assessments (such as DPIAs and compliance checks), develop guidelines for privacy-by-design and compliance-by-design, and monitor regulatory changes affecting AI practices. The role is interdisciplinary, combining law, technology, and societal impact, and offers opportunities for international collaboration. Applicants should have a Master's or PhD in law or a closely related field (criminology, governance, public administration), with expertise in GDPR, AI Act, and law enforcement or surveillance regulation. Experience with legal risk assessments, DPIAs, and regulatory compliance analysis is required. Strong academic writing, the ability to communicate legal insights to non-legal audiences, and excellent English communication skills are essential; Dutch is a plus. Candidates should be independent, analytical, and team-oriented. The position is a contract of limited duration (50%, up to 100% negotiable), initially for 4 months and extendable up to 2 years, with a competitive salary (WM1–WM4 / PD1–PD4). Benefits include 36 days holiday (full-time equivalent), training opportunities, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers. The start date is 01 May 2026 at the earliest. Ghent University offers a supportive work environment and equal opportunity policy. To apply, candidates must submit their application online via the Ghent University e-recruitment system before 08 March 2026. Required documents include a CV and academic transcript (merged PDF), cover letter, diploma transcript and translation if needed, and an overview of study results. Applications by email are not accepted. For questions about the vacancy, contact Prof. Wim Hardyns at [email protected]. Join Ghent University and contribute to shaping the responsible use of AI in crime and security!