Doctoral researcher on the Legal Status of 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 PhD candidate to conduct research on the protection of ethical hackers through criminal law, in the context of the SAFEHACK (Safe Access Framework for Ethical HACKers) project, funded by the University of Luxembourg Cyber Research Hub.

Your role

The doctoral researcher will be working under the supervision of Professor Niovi Vavoula, Chair in Cyber Policy, with Dr Sergio Coronado (Adjunct Professor at the UL and Luxembourg Tech School A.s.b.l.) being a member of the PhD Committee. The thesis work will be undertaken at the University of Luxembourg. The doctoral researcher's main task will be to prepare a doctoral thesis on the criminal (non-)protection of casual ethical hackers. In particular, the doctoral researcher will be mapping, evaluating and comparing EU and national legislation of EU Member States and NATO states, that are parties to the Budapest Convention, concerning the protection (or non-protection) of ethical hackers. The doctoral candidate will contribute to the compilation of national (Luxembourg) legislation, the assessment of legislative exemptions, the identification of good models and practices, the creation of an interactive map of national laws, and to the teaching of classes ranging from one to three hours per week, of small group teachings and tutorials.

The doctoral researcher will benefit from being part of large research group comprising several PhDs and Postdoctoral Researchers working on related topics of cyber policy and criminal law. Being part of the SAFEHACK project will allow the doctoral researcher to enhance one's knowledge-base and experience; working on the various aspects of the project will not only strengthen one's academic profile, but also give the person access to (and the chance to critically engage with) some of the most renowned experts in the 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 demonstrated interest in criminal law (EU and international) and cybersecurity, including cybercrime, cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, cyber defence and cyber sovereignty.

In particular, the following requirements apply:

• A Master's Degree in Law, particularly in criminal law or IT law
• Operational Language Requirements: Excellent command in English (C1) is required. Good working knowledge (B1) of a second language, French in particular, and possibly a third language, German in particular, will be considered an advantage

Academic Eligibility (Thesis):

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates.

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, including list of publications and copies thereof, if applicable
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• 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
• A 5-page research proposal

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 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Weicker Building
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08453

The yearly gross salary for every Doctoral researcher at the UL is EUR 44531 (full time).