PhD in Adapative Regulatory Frameworks for the Hydrogen Economy

PhD in Adapative Regulatory Frameworks for the Hydrogen Economy

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PhD

PhD in Adapative Regulatory Frameworks for the Hydrogen Economy

Are you an enthusiastic lawyer and/or public administration scholar with a curious research mind? Would you like to use your expertise to make a direct contribution to one of the major societal challenges of our time: the energy transition? Then we are looking for you!

Faculty of Law Apply no later than: 11 October 2026 23:59 Dutch local time €3.204 - €4.051 Share this vacancy

PhD in Adapative Regulatory Frameworks for the Hydrogen Economy

Apply now

Phd in adapative regulatory frameworks for the hydrogen economy 2420

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.

Who are you?

• 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.

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.204 up to a maximum of € 4.051 (promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
• 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.
• Temporary appointment for 1,0 fte for 4 years, with a in-between evaluation after 1,5 years (go-no go moment).

Where will you be working?

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.

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.

Sollicitatieprocedure

Stap 1:

Your application

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

Stap 2:

Selection

The selection committee assesses your application and you will be notified as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.

Stap 3:

First interview

We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.

Stap 4:

Second interview and possible assessment or guest lecture

We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.

Stap 5:

Terms of employment meeting

After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!

Interested?

Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.

Please add the following documents to your application:

• CV
• Cover letter.

Apply now

Do you have any questions or need more information?

• Questions about the content of the job?Lorenzo SquintaniFull ProfessorL.Squintani@rug.nl
• Questions about your application process?Lorenzo SquintaniFull ProfessorL.Squintani@rug.nl

Information about applying

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.

The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.

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