Junior Researcher

**Faculty of Law and Criminology**:

- **Department: RE23 - Criminologie, Strafrecht en Sociaal Recht**:

- **Occupancy rate:100%**:

- **Number of positions: 1**:

- **Type of employment: Contract of limited duration**:

- **Term of assignment: until 31/12/2027**:

- **Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 (master degree)**:

- **Required diploma:Master**

**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 programs grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

The Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy (IRCP) has a decades-long tradition of conducting high-quality independent scientific research. It provides advice to policy and practice and participates in societal debates. The Institute is integrated into the Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law of the Faculty of Law and Criminology at Ghent University and consists of thirteen professors and many post-doctoral and pre-doctoral researchers. The IRCP has grown out of a group of lawyers and criminologists, but now houses scientists with a very diverse scientific background and education.

**YOUR TASKS**

IRCP is looking for a full-time junior researcher with a degree in law or social sciences (e.g., criminology or sociology). You will contribute to an interdisciplinary research project that explores how criminal risk can be modeled and how anomalous patterns can be detected in complex operational environments, such as ports. The project develops interpretable AI techniques to support law enforcement agencies in risk assessment and decision-making in situations where information is incomplete, uncertain, or strategically manipulated. Insights from game theory and machine learning are combined to better understand both criminal tactics and effective response strategies.

Specifically, the tasks will consist of:

- Analyze the legal and ethical framework surrounding AI, data analytics, and risk prediction systems in law enforcement, with particular attention to GDPR, the AI Act, the Law Enforcement Directive, and related regulations.
- Develop guidelines and recommendations for privacy-by-design and compliance-by-design, and translate these into practical design rules for technical partners.
- Conduct legal risk assessments and contribute to impact assessments (e.g., DPIA, AI Act compliance), including data classification and evaluation of proportionality and necessity.
- Monitor relevant legislative developments and assess their implications for the project.
- Actively participate in consortium meetings, stakeholder interactions, and co-creation sessions with customs authorities, judicial actors, and private partners.
- Contribute to the dissemination of research results, including drafting scientific publications, policy recommendations, and presenting at national and international conferences.

**YOUR PROFILE**
- You hold a master’s degree in law or social sciences, or can convincingly demonstrate that you will obtain this degree by January 2026.
- You have proven knowledge of or a strong interest in data protection (GDPR), AI regulation (AI Act), and the legal framework governing law enforcement and surveillance.
- You are familiar with analyzing and interpreting complex legislation and can translate it into practical guidelines.
- You have an interest in the legal and ethical challenges of AI, data analytics, and risk prediction systems in an operational context.
- You are capable of academic writing and can clearly present research findings to both legal and non-legal audiences.
- You work independently but also function well within an interdisciplinary team.
- Experience in conducting legal risk assessments or impact assessments (e.g., DPIA) is an asset.
- Knowledge of Dutch is a plus.

**WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU**
- The start date is expected at the earliest on 15-01-2026.
- Your remuneration will be determined by WM1 to WM4. Click here for more information about our salary scales.
- In addition, every Ghent University staff member can count on a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of vacation leave (on an annual basis for a full-time position), a bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, etc. A complete overview of our staff benefits.

**INTERESTED?**

**Via e-recruitment**, please upload the following documents in Dutch or English:

- In the ‘Cover letter’ field: a motivation letter (max. 2 pages) introducing yourself and explaining why you are a good fit for this position.
- In the ‘CV’ field: your CV.
- In the ‘Diploma’ field: a copy