Project Overview
About the Position
The University of Amsterdam invites applications for a PhD candidate in systemic actors and the enforcement of digital rules. The project studies how the enforcement of European digital regulation, including the Digital Services Act and the GDPR, is organised across systemic actors such as platforms, regulators, civil society and auditors, and what makes enforcement effective and accountable.
The candidate will analyse legal frameworks and governance practice, conduct empirical research on enforcement interactions, and contribute to academic and public debates on digital regulation. The position is embedded in the university's strong interdisciplinary environment for law and digital society research, and is a salaried four-year PhD track under the CAO-NU collective agreement with a gross monthly salary between EUR 3,204 and EUR 4,051.
Candidate Profile
Applicants hold a research master's degree in law, governance, social sciences or a related field, with an interest in European digital regulation. Strong analytical writing skills in English are required; empirical-research skills are an advantage. The supervisory team spans law and interdisciplinary digital-society research.
Highlights
- Enforcement of the DSA, GDPR and related digital rules
- Systemic actors: platforms, regulators, auditors, civil society
- Accountability and effectiveness of digital governance
- Legal-doctrinal and empirical analysis
- European digital-regulation research networks
- Salaried PhD, EUR 3,204 - 4,051 per month (CAO-NU scale)
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | PhD fellowship / salaried position |
| Stipend / salary | EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month |
| Duration | Four years |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Research master's in law, governance or social sciences |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 2 November 2026 |
| Location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
About University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is the largest university in the Netherlands and one of Europe's leading research institutions. Its seven faculties span the humanities, social and behavioural sciences, economics and business, law, science, medicine in cooperation with Amsterdam UMC, and dentistry. PhD candidates at the UvA are employed on salaried contracts under the CAO-NU collective agreement, making doctoral research here fully funded. Academic vacancies and doctoral positions are published on the university's academic careers portal with detailed role profiles and application requirements.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 2 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 2 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- PhD Research Proposal for Europe: Structure and a Worked Example
- Applying for a PhD Without a Master's: Check the Programme Rules
Official Link
https://werkenbij.uva.nl/en/vacancies/phd-candidate-in-systemic-actors-and-the-enforcement-of-digital-rules-netherlands-15530/apply
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for PhD Candidate: Systemic Actors and the Enforcement of Digital Rules - University of Amsterdam, Netherlands?
The application deadline is 3 November 2026 (2 November 2026). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Amsterdam time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Amsterdam but gives no clock time.
Is PhD Candidate: Systemic Actors and the Enforcement of Digital Rules - University of Amsterdam, Netherlands fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. EUR 3,204 - EUR 4,051 gross per month.
Who is eligible to apply for PhD Candidate: Systemic Actors and the Enforcement of Digital Rules - University of Amsterdam, Netherlands?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Netherlands. Applications are assessed by University of Amsterdam.
How do I apply for PhD Candidate: Systemic Actors and the Enforcement of Digital Rules - University of Amsterdam, Netherlands?
Applications for PhD Candidate: Systemic Actors and the Enforcement of Digital Rules - University of Amsterdam, Netherlands are submitted directly to University of Amsterdam through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for PhD Candidate: Systemic Actors and the Enforcement of Digital Rules - University of Amsterdam, Netherlands?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Netherlands are published by the provider.
What study level does PhD Candidate: Systemic Actors and the Enforcement of Digital Rules - University of Amsterdam, Netherlands offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is the largest university in the Netherlands and one of Europe's leading research institutions. Its seven faculties span the humanities, social and behavioural sciences, economics and business, law, science, medicine in cooperation with Amsterdam UMC, and dentistry. PhD candidates at the UvA are employed on salaried contracts under the CAO-NU collective agreement, making doctoral research here fully funded. Academic vacancies and doctoral positions are published on the university's academic careers portal with detailed role profiles and application requirements.
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