RU CiTiP – doctoral researcher (100%) - IP law
KU Leuven, Belgium
- Institution
- KU Leuven
- Country
- Belgium
- Position type
- PhD
- Subject area
- Law
- Application deadline
- 9 September 2026
- Location
- Leuven, Belgium
- Funding
- Fully funded position
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About this position
The KU Leuven Centre for IT & IP Law (CiTiP) is a research unit of the Faculty of Law and Criminology with the mission to advance legal knowledge in the field of intellectual property and ICT law. The Centre is part of the Flemish Knowledge Centre for Data & Society, DigiSoc, Leuven Centre on ICT (LICT), Leuven.AI. and is affiliated with imec.
CiTiP has over 30 years of experience in conducting cutting-edge research in intellectual property and information, communication and technology law including privacy, cybersecurity, biotechnology and the legal and ethical aspects of innovation, information and data.
CiTiP consists of a thriving research community of over 90 researchers and fellows, 8 professors, a research and a valorisation expert, 9 postdoctoral researchers, teaching assistants and administrative support.
CiTiP is involved in interdisciplinary projects financed through programs such as Horizon Europe/H2020, Digital Europe, Marie Curie Actions, FWO, ICON, Belgian and Flemish research foundations, as well as through commissioned research. For more information on the Centre, please consult the website.
Project
- You are a highly motivated junior researcher interested in starting a PhD in intellectual property law in connection with the C2 internally funded project “Technological intermediation and consumerisation of human creativity”.
- Within the scientific and methodological framework of the project led by Profs. Margoni, Vanherpe and Devroe, you will be expected to conduct research under the supervision of the PIs, to support the PIs in their research activities and to develop a doctoral proposal.
- You must demonstrate the ability to work both in a dynamic and interdisciplinary team as well as autonomously.
- You will be expected to actively participate in the scientific and academic life of the Centre and the Faculty.
- You are expected to assist with various research, administrative and limited teaching obligations (e.g. research assistance, assistance with the organization of events, student and exam supervision) in Dutch and/or English, depending on your level of experience.
Profile
- You hold a Master’s degree in Law, preferably with a specialization in IP, consumer or competition law.
- You are motivated, dynamic, eager to learn and fascinated by the interaction between new technological developments and the law, particularly copyright law, consumer law and competition law.
- You have a demonstrably strong background in EU law (mandatory) and knowledge of intellectual property, consumer and/or competition law (desirable).
- You can creatively analyse legal problems in these domains and propose clear and valuable solutions.
- You have the ability, or the potential, to share your knowledge with others through scientific publications and presentations at academic conferences and workshops.
- You have experience in, or potential for, project work and applications.
- You have an excellent knowledge of English (which must be adequately demonstrated). Knowledge of Dutch (both written and spoken) is an asset given the possible involvement in research and teaching tasks across various programs.
- You have strong communication skills (to be demonstrated during the application process).
- You are flexible and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- You are willing to actively contribute within CiTiP (e.g. by setting up internal collaborations, participating in social activities, etc.).
- Familiarity with specific research methods (empirical, comparative, computational) is an asset.
Offer
- A stimulating and dynamic work environment at one of Europe’s top research centers and faculties, characterized by a unique mix of independence, trust, and support.
- A full-time doctoral scholarship for a fixed term of 1 year with a realistic chance to extend it for the full duration of a PhD degree at KU Leuven (4 years). This scholarship is comparable to the salary of an assistant or scientific staff member in salary scale 43.
- As a PhD scholarship holder you also benefit from a number of employee advantages, such as a broad range of training opportunities, an attractive leave scheme, insurance, a bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, discounted rates for sports and cultural facilities, etc.
- Access to all university facilities.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Thomas Margoni, mail: [email protected] or Mr. Kasper Drazewski, mail: [email protected].
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
Apply directly to KU Leuven
Emerging Scholars Council is not the employer and does not recruit for this position. It is advertised by KU Leuven, and your application goes to them. We help students prepare and strengthen their applications.
Go to the official application page →Applications close 9 September 2026.