PhD in Adapative Regulatory Frameworks for the Hydrogen Economy

What are you going to do?

As a PhD candidate, you will investigate how the regulation of the hydrogen economy can be designed in such a way that the law is better able to evolve alongside the economic sector and society that it seeks to regulate than is currently the case. The legal framework governing the energy transition often has a “static” character. It regulates what exists rather than what could exist. In a sector in which innovation is still developing rapidly, such as the hydrogen economy, a static legal framework can have a constraining effect on the development of the economy and society.

An adaptive legal framework can prevent this problem, but it is not yet known what such a framework should entail or which adaptive instruments can effectively support the development of the hydrogen economy rather than constrain it.

Within an ongoing research project, we are developing a theory of an adaptive legal framework for the hydrogen economy. In this project, we aim to empirically test this theoretical framework in order to determine which interpretation and application of the theory can be effective in practice. In this research, theory will be translated into verifiable hypotheses concerning governance and regulatory instruments for the hydrogen economy. These hypotheses will be tested both quantitatively, on the basis of experiments, and qualitatively, through semi-structured interviews.

In developing this research, you will become part of an interdisciplinary research team within the HySuccess programme of GroenvermogenNL, in which you will work together with colleagues from different universities and disciplines.

Requirements

• You are a connector; that is, you gain energy from initiating and fostering collaboration with and between partners.
• You hold a Masters degree, preferably in energy law.
• You have experience conducting empirical research.
• You have knowledge of and experience with European law.
• Knowledge of Dutch law is considered an advantage.
• Proficiency in the Dutch language is considered an advantage.
• You have a pragmatic attitude and are able to familiarise yourself with new areas of law.
• You have a sharp legal mind, determination, and the drive to make complex matters accessible.

Conditions of employment

Fixed-term contract: Temporary appointment for 1,0 fte for 4 years, with a in-between evaluation after 1,5 years (go-no go moment).

What can you expect from us?

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

Employer

University of Groningen

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

Department

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law is a broad-based faculty. Our community is characterized by an open and informal atmosphere and consists of approximately 4,500 students and 400 staff. We foster an environment that combines academic tradition and innovation, in a way that addresses national and international societal issues. Our research and teaching are groundbreaking, with special attention paid to current themes such as sustainability and energy, technological developments including AI, and the democratic rule of law. We prepare legal professionals to adopt a broad perspective, think critically, and adapt to a rapidly changing world. We place a strong emphasis on the development of both students and staff. We actively seek connection across legal fields and disciplines, and with partners within and outside academia. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Law, visit rug.nl/rechten.

You will be employed by the University of Groningen on a full-time basis (1.0 FTE).

Initially, you will work closely with the PhD candidate appointed at Erasmus University Rotterdam, and subsequently together with the other partners within HySuccess.

At the University of Groningen, you will join the Energy Law section, which is part of the Groningen Centre for Energy Law and Sustainability (GCELS). GCELS brings together legal expertise from all areas of law within the Faculty of Law and focuses on research and education relating to the energy transition. Its research covers the entire energy chain, from production, transport and storage to supply, and encompasses topics such as renewable energy, security of energy supply, climate policy and environmental protection.

Additional information

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Lorenzo Squintani (Full Professor): L.Squintani@rug.nl

Questions about your application process?
Lorenzo Squintani (Full Professor): L.Squintani@rug.nl

Working at University of Groningen

At the University of Groningen, which ranks among the top 100 universities in the world, your talent is appreciated. We help you to realize your ambitions.