Professor of Law in AI, Data Governance and Fundamental Rights
Welcome to Maastricht University!
The Faculty of Law, through the European Centre on Privacy and Cybersecurity (ECPC) at Maastricht University, invites applications for a Professorship in Law in AI, Data Governance and Fundamental Rights. The position is embedded in the Department of European Law and affiliated with the European Centre on Privacy and Cybersecurity (ECPC).
We are seeking a senior academic who combines intellectual leadership with openness and collegiality. The ideal candidate is not only internationally recognised but also motivated to shape how law responds to the profound societal transformations driven by artificial intelligence, platform governance, and data-driven infrastructures.
These technologies increasingly define access to information, public services, participation, and autonomy. At the same time, they expose new forms of vulnerability, dependency, and power asymmetry. Maastricht University is committed to addressing these challenges through rigorous research, innovative education, and meaningful engagement with society.
Professor of Law in AI, Data Governance and Fundamental Rights
About the role
This position is based within the European Centre on Privacy and Cybersecurity (ECPC) and embedded in the Department of European Law. It contributes to cutting-edge research and education on digital regulation, AI governance, and fundamental rights, both within Europe and in a global context.
You will join a diverse, international team working at the intersection of law, technology, and society. The ECPC combines academic excellence with practice-oriented engagement through executive education, advanced master’s programmes, and partnerships with public and private stakeholders worldwide.
As Professor, you will define and lead an ambitious research and teaching agenda on AI, data governance, and fundamental rights, further strengthening Maastricht University’s position as a global hub in digital law and policy. This chair offers a unique opportunity to shape a distinctive academic profile at the forefront of European digital regulation and fundamental rights.
What you do
• Develop and lead an internationally visible research programme on AI, data governance vulnerability, and fundamental rights, with a clear grounding in European law and digital regulation
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration across law, social sciences, and technology
• Drive the development of a Data Protection, AI and Law track within degree programmes
• Lead postgraduate education as Academic Director of the ECPC Advanced Master, guiding its academic vision and future development
• Teach in master’s and postgraduate programmes on AI regulation, data protection, platform governance, and digital rights
• Supervise master’s theses and doctoral (PhD) candidates
• Publish in leading international journals and contribute to policy and public debate
• Secure competitive research funding and lead national and international research consortia
• Contribute to academic leadership, shaping research strategy, mentoring colleagues, and strengthening the faculty’s academic community
Are you ready to shape the future of law in the age of artificial intelligence? Then we’d love to meet you.
What you bring
We’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?
• Academic excellence: Hold a PhD in Law in Law and a strong international profile in European and/or comparative law, with expertise in AI regulation, data protection, digital governance, and fundamental rights
• Research leadership: An outstanding publication record and a leading voice in debates on AI, vulnerability, fairness, automated decision-making and evolving regulatory frameworks (e.g. GDPR, EU AI Act, Digital Services Act)
• Societal engagement: Demonstrated ability to connect legal scholarship with real-world policy, regulatory, and societal challenges
• Teaching & leadership: Extensive experience in higher education, including programme development, curriculum design, and supervision. You either hold a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) or are willing to acquire this
• Collaboration & funding: Demonstrate experience in acquiring research funding and leading collaborative, interdisciplinary projects, especially in the Dutch context
• Networks & engagement: Demonstrate strong international connections and active engagement with institutional policymakers, regulators, civil society, and academic networks
Experience with impact assessment, standard-setting, or stakeholder engagement in AI and digital regulation is an advantage.
What we offer
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:
• A permanent contract (1,0 FTE).
• A gross monthly salary between € 7.202 and € 10.441 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
• Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.
About the Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law at Maastricht University offers high-quality and innovative education at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. It is known for its small-scale, problem-based learning approach and strong focus on legal skills.
Research spans Dutch, European, and international law, with particular strengths in law and technology and empirical legal studies. The faculty fosters an open, inclusive, and supportive academic culture for both staff and students.
About the ECPC
The European Centre on Privacy and Cybersecurity (ECPC) delivers a dynamic portfolio of executive education programmes alongside an Advanced Master’s in Privacy, Cybersecurity and Data Management. Its executive education offering includes practice-oriented certification courses, a comprehensive diploma track in privacy management, conferences and seminars on emerging challenges, and specialised courses on artificial intelligence. The Centre also provides tailored in-company training for large organisations and maintains long-term partnerships with public and private stakeholders worldwide.
Interested?
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Cosimo Monda at cosimo.monda@maastrichtuniversity.nl and Joyce Groneschild at joyce.groneschild@maastrichtuniversity.nl
The application deadline is Tuesday 5 May 2026.
Please submit your application including: - A curriculum vitae - A motivation letter - List of publications, Research statement, Teaching portfolio
The job interviews will be held on Tuesday 9 June 2026.
Apply via the application button. We look forward to receiving your application.
About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.
The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.
At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.
Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.