PhD Candidate: EU Law for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainable Food Systems, a research funded by the Dutch Research Council
Are you passionate about legal issues arising from the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially its applications aimed at solving sustainability and food systems problems? Do you have a background in EU law, and an interest in the technology regulation? Are you excited about empirical methods and interdisciplinary collaboration? Then this PhD position might be the perfect fit for you!
This PhD position is part of the AI for sustainable food systems (AI4SFS) laboratory, an interdisciplinary research project funded by the Dutch Research Council NWO that will start June, 1 2022. The AI4SFS project develops responsible and trustworthy AI in sustainable food systems through the development of an Ethical, Legal, Social Aspects (ELSA) lab.
We will (a) develop insights into the ELSA challenges and opportunities related to AI applications for sustainable food systems, (b) design an ELSA lab methodology (including tools, (ethical and legal) guidelines and engagement strategies) for responsible AI for the agri-food sector, and (c) conduct multiple case studies where we will integrate ELSA aspects in AI (re)design. After the project, we will develop the ELSA lab into an independent hub for responsible AI for sustainable food systems.
Your tasks:
- analyzing the legal challenges and opportunities related to AI applications for Sustainable Food Systems (SFS’s);
- participating in the co-creation of responsible and human-centered AI for SFS during the Research and Development (R&D) of multiple cases of AI studied within the ELSA lab AI4SFS.
The research is embedded within the LAW chair Group at WUR, led by prof.dr.mr. Josephine van Zeben. The Law Group focusses on legal solutions to social problems, including those studied in life sciences domains. These issues touch on every aspect of the law, which means that we have collective expertise on matters relating to EU law, food law, environmental law, international law, WTO law, intellectual property law, private law and human rights law. The research of the group is strongly international and interdisciplinary, with faculty and students from all over the world.
We ask
You have:
- a completed Master of Laws (LLM) with a strong focus on EU Law;
- proven experience in working with EU law;
- demonstrated interest or ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment, with affinity with empirical legal research;
- an interest in working at the interface of social sciences and law and a demonstratable interest in the legal, ethical and social implications of digital technologies;
- excellent communication and social skills;
- For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level ( https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale )
We offer
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- study leave and partially paid parental leave;
- working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
- the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
- there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 2.443,- per month rising to € 3.122,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.
There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.
You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “ Best University ” in the Netherlands for the 17th consecutive time.
Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research’s International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.
Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.
More information
Do you want more information?
For more information about this position, please contact María José Plana Casado, Assistant Professor of LAW, by e-mail maria-jose.planacasado@wur.nl .
For more information about the procedure, please contact recruitment support via recruitment.ssg@wur.nl
Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly by uploading your CV and motivation letter and a writing sample of at least 500 words on a topic relevant to this vacancy, using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including 11 April 2022. We hope to schedule the first job interviews on 20 and 21 of April 2022. The preferred starting date for this position is the 1st June 2022.
We are
Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.
With its roughly 30 branches, 6.800 employees and 12.900 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen’s unique approach. WUR has been named the best university of the Netherlands by students for the 17th time in a row.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!