Postdoc on the Policy Framework for Onboarding Ethical Hackers

About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF) at the University of Luxembourg offers a unique academic and research environment.
Rooted in Luxembourg but with a European and international outlook, teaching and research benefit from the proximity of the European institutions, Luxembourg's leading international financial centre and its vibrant business community. Institutional and private sector partnerships, sponsored Chairs and a growing network of international partner universities make the FDEF a dynamic academic hub at the heart of Europe.

The Department of Law of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance of the University of Luxembourg is looking for a Postdoctoral researcher to conduct research on national policies (CVD policies and bug bounty programmes in the EU) to onboard ethical hackers, in the context of the SAFEHACK (Safe Access Framework for Ethical HACKers) project.

The postdoctoral researcher will be working under the supervision of Professor Niovi Vavoula, Chair in Cyber Policy, with Dr Sergio Coronado (Adjunct Professor at the U and Luxembourg Tech School A.s.b.l.).

Your role

• Conduct research and contribute to other activities falling into the scope of the research projects, in particular: drafting research papers, prepare the scientific materials of project meetings; contributing to project events' organisation
• Conduct own research in the related topics, publish articles in scientific reviews and contribute to conferences
• Assist with teaching activities, one to three hours a week and contribute to tutoring students
• Contribute to preparing further research proposals
• Offer research assistance and coordinate young researchers working in the same field

About the project:

The SAFEHACK project aims to map the legal and policy framework on onboarding casual ethical hackers in, and by engaging with relevant stakeholders to propose draft legislation and policy recommendations at national (Luxembourg), EU and international level aimed at providing a protective framework to ethical hackers. A harmonised legal and policy framework would better support government and critical sectors' defensive efforts under regulated conditions and an overall safe environment for ethical hackers.

For more information concerning this position, please contact Prof. Niovi Vavoula, email: .

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in Law, with a specialisation in Cybersecurity law / IT law / Law & Technology. Candidates without a background in Law are not eligible for this position.

In particular, the following requirements apply:

• Strong interest in cyber law and policy, including cybersecurity, cyber defence, cybercrime and cyber sovereignty, as well as in interdisciplinary research; academic or practical experience in topics linked to the research will be considered an advantage
• Proven ability to autonomously conduct research at a post-doctoral level
• Good IT skills
• Excellent command in English (C1) is required. Good working knowledge (B1) of a second language, preferably French or German, would be considered an advantage

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae with a complete bibliography of published works
• Cover letter detailing your motivation for applying to the advertised research topic and/or project, including how your background, interests, and career goals align with its objective
• PhD diploma or a letter/information indicating the expected defense date
• Degree certificates and transcripts of university-level courses, including grades
• Names, contact information and current position of up to 3 referees who can, upon request, provide an assessment of the application. Please indicate their relationship to you
• List of publications, including open-access links where available

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Weicker Building
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08451

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 87306 (full time).