Doctoral fellow – Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law

Last application date Sep 12, 2025 00:00

Department RE23 – Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law

Contract Limited duration

Degree Master’s degree in Law

Occupancy rate 100%

Vacancy type Research staff

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 85 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.

ABOUT METAMEDICA

At the University of Ghent Metamedica platform promotes since 2020 interdisciplinary research and education in health law, privacy, and medical ethics. It addresses challenges posed by medical innovation, evolving healthcare roles, and the rise of health-related data.
The platform supports patients, clinicians, policymakers, legal scholars, ethicists, and other stakeholders confronted with medical innovation. Core focus areas include the legal and ethical aspects of medical AI, big data, (shared) electronic health records, and predictive medicine.
To strengthen the Metamedica team, we are looking for a motivated PhD researcher (100%) who wants to start a doctoral project on legal questions at the intersection of traditional data protection law and classical health law. We are seeking someone with a strong interest in law, technology, and the broader context of medical innovation, health data governance, and patient rights who holds a Master’s degree in Law and is eager to contribute to interdisciplinary academic research in this evolving field.

We are looking for a Doctoral fellow @ Metamedica (m/f/x)
Your job
• You conduct research at the intersection of health privacy, data protection and traditional health law. You have the opportunity to shape your project based on your interests under the supervision of your supervisors, Prof. Dr. Griet Verhenneman and Prof. Dr. Tom Goffin. You complete your candidacy by including a short research proposal (see below) describing the research topic of your interest and how you would like to shape your research during your four-year assignment.
• You work in a team of researchers affiliated with the Metamedica platform within the Faculty of Law and Criminology and the Faculty of Medicine. You contribute to the activities of the research group and the Metamedica platform.
• You write a PhD thesis and publish and present your (interim) research results at (inter)national conferences and study days.

JOB PROFILE

• You hold a Master’s degree in Law. Degree requirements must be met by the date of appointment.
• You have a demonstrable interest in scientific research, preferably within the domain of health and/or privacy law.
• You have a natural interest in multidisciplinary research and are willing to exchange knowledge with fellow researchers from other faculties. This means that you are also willing to master professional terms from other disciplines.
• You have proven scientific and communication skills (e.g. critical thinking, good writing and presentation skills, attention to methodology).
• Since you will need international sources for your research, a good knowledge of English (speaking and writing) is necessary.
• Demonstrated research skills (master’s thesis, publications, papers) are a plus and can be added to the application.
• You work independently (under the guidance of your supervisor) and show initiative. In doing so, you show a sense of creativity.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• A challenging job in an exciting environment.
• The topics you will be working on are current and socially relevant.
• You will also have the opportunity to build an international network and to develop personally.
• Your participation in the Metamedica platform provides you with the opportunity to engage with fellow researchers on interdisciplinary issues in health law, privacy law and medical ethics.
• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which – after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 1st of November 2025 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• 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. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession), a motivation letter and additional documents (if applicable) to [email protected]
We do not accept late applications.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. name ([email protected], +32(0)9/2646937)