Doctoral Researcher on the Legal Status of Ethical Hackers

About the role

This PhD investigates the legal status and criminal‑law protection of casual ethical hackers across EU Member States and NATO countries that are parties to the Budapest Convention. The research contributes to the SAFEHACK project’s goal of shaping legislative and policy reforms for ethical hackers.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare a doctoral thesis on the criminal (non‑)protection of casual ethical hackers.
• Map, evaluate and compare EU and national legislation of relevant states.
• Compile Luxembourg national legislation and assess legislative exemptions.
• Identify good models and best practices and create an interactive map of national laws.
• Teach small‑group classes or tutorials (1‑3 hours per week).
• Engage with stakeholders to draft legislation and policy recommendations.
• Collaborate within a large research group on cyber policy and criminal law.
• Critically engage with experts in cyber‑security law.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Law, preferably criminal law or IT law.
• Demonstrated interest in EU/international criminal law and cybersecurity.
• Excellent English (C1) and at least B2 proficiency in the thesis language.
• Working knowledge of a second language (French B1) and optionally German (B1).

Required skills

• Comparative legal analysis.
• Mapping and evaluation of legislation.