Research Associate (Postdoc) for IT Law Research & Contract Management

Digitalization poses major challenges for society, the economy, and politics. In order to successfully shape these challenges, many practical research questions relating to cybersecurity and privacy protection must be addressed.

The National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE is a research institution of the Fraunhofer Society with the participation of the Fraunhofer Institutes SIT and IGD as well as the Technical University of Darmstadt and Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. In a unique and innovative cooperation model between university and non-university research, ATHENE conducts cutting-edge research for the benefit of the economy, society, and the state and provides impetus in science.

Fraunhofer SIT is one of the leading research institutions for IT security in Germany and Europe. Its focus is on applied research and the development of innovative solutions for real-world security and data protection issues.

This position combines scientific research with operational legal work: You will spend 50% of your time in the IT Law & Interdisciplinary Privacy Research department working on current research issues in IT law and 50% in the ATHENE office, where you will support the center in legal and contractual matters. This unique dual role allows you to combine theoretical expertise with operational practice and enrich both areas.

Be part of change

Your responsibilities at the ATHENE office

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts in a national and international context
• Providing legal support for internal governance structures
• Providing legal support for appointment procedures
• Providing support for legal issues in a research context

Your responsibilities in the IT Law & Interdisciplinary Privacy Research department

• Research in the field of IT law, particularly in the areas of data protection and cybersecurity research law
• Writing scientific articles in German and English, with a strong focus on German and US law

What you contribute

• Law degree in Germany
• Knowledge of contract law, preferably in the field of science
• Ideally, in-depth knowledge of US law, demonstrated e.g. through LL.M. studies, extended research or work stays in the USA
• Independent and structured approach to work
• Negotiation skills and strong communication skills
• Completed doctorate in a relevant field of law relating to German or US law
• Very good knowledge of German (C2) and very good knowledge of English (C1)

What we offer

• Work at a renowned, internationally leading institute in the field of cybersecurity
• Friendly, open, and collegial working environment with a dynamic and creative working atmosphere
• Family-friendly work culture with flexible working conditions (various working time models, flexible working locations and hours, mobile working, job ticket subsidy, support services from the pme family service, etc.)
• Company pension scheme, capital-forming benefits, deferred compensation
• Convenient location (Darmstadt main station within walking distance, approx. 10 minutes), free parking and efficient charging infrastructure for electric vehicles with preferential conditions for employees

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT

Requisition Number: 83287 Application Deadline: