Doctoral Scholarship Holder European Competition Law

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Faculty of Law is looking for a full-time (100%) Doctoral scholarship holder in the field of European competition law

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis entitled ‘Restyling European Competition Law in the Age of Intelligent Machines’. This project is funded by the University of Antwerp Research Fund and aims to reconsider the EU antitrust rules in light of the changes brought about by automation. The research will comprise:
  • A review of literature on antitrust law, artificial intelligence and experimental regulation;
  • The conducting of thought experiments and case studies (with interviews with stakeholders) on tacit collusion, self-preferencing and experimental interventions in antitrust; and
  • A comparison with certain rules in the fields of financial law, data protection law, and the regulation of so-called ‘high risk’ artificial intelligence.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Faculty of Law.

Profile

• You hold a law degree or will have obtained such a degree by the time you start work. We may also consider applicants with a master degree in another field of social and human sciences with a significant legal, regulatory and/or economic component.
• You can demonstrate very good study results.
• You have at least basic knowledge of European competition law and of the possibilities and risks of artificial intelligence.
• You have followed training on qualitative empirical methods, especially interviews, and/or you are prepared to follow such training offered by our doctoral programme.
• Your proficiency in English is high (the PhD thesis is written in English) and you are willing to take additional courses on academic English offered by our doctoral programme.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What we offer

• We offer a Doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
• The planned start date is 1 September 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for Doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at the City Campus of the University of Antwerp in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including Tuesday 2 April 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your CV
  • the grades you obtained in your degree(s)
  • a copy of one paper or article that you have written in English.
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline to make a pre-selection of candidates for an interview. The interviews are expected to take place on Monday 6 May 2024.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. dr. Jan Blockx at jan.blockx@uantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.