Nowadays it is clear that big data, artificial intelligence, and Internet-of-Things are not only for large companies. In the last years, public bodies throughout the world have started embracing data-driven technologies and predictive analytics. Smart cities, in particular, harness different technologies to improve traffic, curb energy consumption, and monitor public safety. Nevertheless, the implementation of these disruptive technologies is problematic. Public bodies often resort to private parties who collect and process citizen data, develop technological solutions and assist them in the implementation of technology in core areas of the public interest (e.g., social services). This PhD project will focus on the comparative study of the relationship between public and private bodies in the context of the growing digitization of public services. Applicants are expected to design their own research proposal along the lines of this description and submit a brief research proposal (max. 2,000 words including reference list).

The doctoral thesis may be written as a monograph or as a collection of articles which have been submitted and accepted for publication by international peer-reviewed journals, according to faculty regulations. The PhD candidate is expected to attend, present in, and contribute to the organization of international symposia and conferences. The PhD candidate will also have limited teaching obligations.

The candidate will be expected to participate actively in the Department of Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and Public Administration.

• LLM (or in the final phase of an LLM) with excellent grades in and knowledge of Administrative Law
• affinity with Law and Technology
• interest in and affinity with legal scientific research
• a background in legal practice and/or publications would be an advantage
• excellent knowledge of English (written and oral); working knowledge of other major languages would be an advantage
• excellent communication and writing skills
• demonstrable competences: presenting, monitoring, flexibility, independence, analytical skills; networking skills ability to incorporate feedback.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

The University of Groningen offers a starting gross salary from € 2,222 per month (for a full-time appointment) and will raise every 12 months to a maximum of € 2,840 based on the PhD salary scale of the Collective Labour Agreement (cao) for Dutch Universities. Favorable tax agreements may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

The total duration of the PhD trajectory is four years (48 months). The candidate will initially be appointed for a probationary period of 18 months. After one year, a formal performance evaluation will take place. If the performance evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended for the remaining period of 30 months.

The PhD student will participate in the Faculty training programme for PhD students. The Groningen Graduate School of Law (https://www.rug.nl/research/gradschool-law/) (GGSL) organises the training programmes for PhD researchers and research master students in the Faculty of Law. The Faculty offers the opportunity to attend international conferences and to participate in workshops and seminars.

The starting date of the position is 1 October 2018, or as soon as possible thereafter. For more information on the project, please contact Prof Sofia Ranchordas.

Apply
You may apply for this position until 31 May 23.59h / before 1 June 2018 Dutch Local time by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

Your application must include:
• a motivation letter (letter of motivation attachment)
• research proposal (max. 2,000 words including references) (extra attachment)
• curriculum vitae (CV attachment)
• a list of grades from your Master’s degree (and list of publications if applicable) (extra attachment 2)
• the names and contact details of two referees, who will be contacted after the interview stage (extra attachment 3).

Promising candidates will be asked to provide a sample of writing and invited for an interview which will take place in June 2018. It will also be possible to interview remotely.

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law (https://www.rug.nl/rechten/) is building on a longstanding tradition of four centuries. Its mission is to be an ambitious top ranking faculty of law with both education and high-quality research (https://www.rug.nl/(...)vernance/programmas/), with a strong international orientation, firmly rooted in the North of The Netherlands. The faculty creates and shares knowledge through outstanding education and high-quality research, benefitting to society. With more than 3400 students, the faculty is involved in educating students, both Dutch and international. The faculty is a modern, broad and international institution, educating students to become forward-looking, articulate and independent lawyers. The Faculty offers both LLBs and LLMs both in Dutch and English and has a large community of international scholars.

This position consists of a four-year appointment under the supervision of Prof dr Sofia Ranchordás. The project will focus on the study of the regulatory implications of the implementation of data-driven technologies by public bodies and novel forms of privatization.