Fully funded PhD Computer Science & AI Netherlands 46 days left

PhD Position in Space Law and Artificial Intelligence

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), Netherlands

Institution: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
Country: Netherlands
Position type: PhD
Subject area: Computer Science & AI
Application deadline: 27 November 2026
Funding: Fully funded position

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About this position

Job description

You will conduct doctoral research within EO-TRUST, a €1 million multidisciplinary project funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), led by Dr Ioana Bratu. Your research will examine the legal and ethical dimensions of AI-enabled Earth Observation, focusing on how space law, AI regulation and related legal frameworks address questions of resilience, responsibility and trustworthy use of satellite data. You will work in a multidisciplinary environment connecting law with Earth Observation, artificial intelligence and computer science.

Your duties

conduct independent doctoral research on the legal and ethical governance of AI-enabled Earth Observation
map and analyse applicable legal frameworks, including international space law, the EU Space Act, the EU AI Act and relevant security and military law
conduct doctrinal and empirical research, including interviews and engagement with governmental, regulatory, academic and industry stakeholders
contribute to academic publications, policy outputs, conferences, workshops and the development of principles for responsible and explainable AI-enabled Earth Observation
contribute to the activities of Amsterdam Law & Technology Institute and Amsterdam Space Law & Sustainability Center.

Apply directly to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

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Applications close 27 November 2026.