Faculty of Law The University of Lucerne is the youngest university in Switzerland. Founded in 2000, it comprises the four faculties of Theology, Cultural and Social Sciences, Law, Economics and the Department of Health Sciences and Medicine and has around 3'000 students. The Faculty of Law has gained both national and international recognition in a short time. Personal supervision of students, close links between academia and practice, and a highly motivated, dynamic team give the faculty a unique profile.We are looking for a

Post-doctoral fellow with experience in trade law and digital issues (50-70%)

The Faculty of Law offers a postdoctoral position under the project 'Trade Law for the Data-Driven Economy' funded by the European Research Council and under the leadership of the Principal Investigator Mira Burri. The employment is to start on 1 September 2021 and planned for the duration of 5 years.

Job description

The ERC project 'Trade Law for the Data-Driven Economy' is in the area of global economic governance. It seeks to (1) enhance our understanding of the implications of digital disruption for trade law and vice versa, including through a thorough analysis of all existing trade rules that matter for data, as it flows across borders and is regulated domestically; (2) boost our toolkits for tackling the tensions inherent to the data-driven economy by mapping and analyzing all available mechanisms for reconciling economic and non-economic objectives, with a strong focus on data protection but including also other values, such as freedom of speech, that may be important for national constituencies; and ultimately, (3) suggest design for trade law that can be sustainable in an environment of fluid technological change.

The project is planned for 5 years and will be conducted by a small team based at the University of Lucerne. The position of the postdoc fellow is key for the success of the project. It asks for high quality research, project management and team skills, and an overall proactive engagement in all project activities. The position will give the opportunity to develop own research agenda in the area of global data governance and enhance the scholarly profile of the fellow.

Your profile

• Completed PhD degree in law with excellent evaluation


• Extensive scholarly experience in trade law, data protection, or law and technology issues


• Ability to conduct independent academic as well as policy-relevant legal research


• Ability to discuss/write/present scientific results in English


• Project management and project coordination skills, including event organization and PhD supervision


• Highly reliable, well-organized and efficient work style


• Joy for communication with students, fellow researchers and administrative staff


• IT skills

We offer

• A five-year contract (50-70%)


• A platform for independent research in the area of global data governance


• A stimulating working environment with high scientific exposure, including research stays and international conferences and collaboration with leading institutions in the field


• An excellent working space at the University of Lucerne and access to a wide range of academic activities (research seminars and workshops), as well as training in specific scientific skills and career development


• A salary in accordance with the regulations of the University of Lucerne

How to apply



We look forward to receiving your application consisting of a single PDF including:

• A letter of motivation


• Curriculum vitae including a full publication list


• Certificates (Bachelor, Master, PhD) with detailed transcripts of records and grades


• Samples of written work, including your PhD thesis


• A letter of recommendation from at least one expert

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Mira Burri (mira.burri@unilu.ch).Applications must be submitted in a single file (PDF format) by 31 May 2021 by clicking on the apply button below.Jetzt online bewerben