Wetenschappelijk medewerker FWO-project faillissementen

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

• You will conduct fundamental and applied research at Ghent University under the supervision of Prof. Joke Baeck (Faculty of Law and Criminology), Prof. Klaas Mulier (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration), and Prof. Thomas Demeester (Faculty of Engineering and Architecture).
• Your research will be carried out within the FWO-funded research project Evaluation of distressed enterprises using explainable machine learning: construction of an artificial intelligence algorithm to assist judges in Belgian Enterprise Courts.
• You will work in a stimulating interdisciplinary research environment at the intersection of artificial intelligence and law, bringing together expertise in law, economics and computer science.
• Your research will focus on the implementation of an AI-based decision-support tool in courts. In particular, you will examine how such a tool can be designed and implemented in a way that is both user-friendly for judges and technically compliant with the requirements of the EU AI Act.
• Particular attention will be devoted to the practical and technical requirements associated with the use of AI in a judicial context, including usability, human oversight, transparency and explainability.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a thesis-based doctoral degree in Computer Science or Law, or will have obtained such a degree by the start of your employment on 15 September 2026.
• You have a strong research interest in artificial intelligence and law, particularly in the responsible implementation of AI systems in professional or institutional settings.
• You have an interest in questions relating to usability, explainable AI and/or the technical implementation of regulatory requirements for AI systems.
• You are able to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team and have strong communication skills.
• You are fluent in English and Dutch. Proficiency in Dutch is required because the research concerns the implementation of an AI-based decision-support tool in Commercial Courts in Flanders.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a fixed-term, part-time appointment of 10% for the period from 15 September 2026 until 31 of December 2026.
• Your contract will start on 15 September 2026 at the earliest.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Joke Baeck (joke.baeck@ugent.be , +32(0)9 264 95 14).