Professor (Lector) in Legal Issues in the Energy Transition
We are seeking a PhD-qualified legal scholar with a legal background, expertise in (Dutch) energy law, and an excellent command of English, both written and spoken, to assume a lector position.
In the Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences system, a lector is a senior applied research position that integrates practice-oriented research, education, and knowledge transfer. Lectors lead research groups and collaborate closely with students, faculty, professional partners, and external stakeholders.
This represents a unique opportunity to commence a (junior) lectorship and further advance your career in the domain of legal issues associated with the energy transition.
You will become professor of the research group Legal Issues in the Energy Transition, which is part of the broader research group Legal and Economic Aspects of the Energy Transition. In this role, you will contribute to three major research lines within the professorship and, depending on your expertise, take the lead in one or more themes:
- Hydrogen: You will study the legal frameworks and safety regulations for the production, storage, and distribution of hydrogen.
- Grid congestion: You will focus on legislation and regulations for grid management, including the rights and obligations of network users.
- Heat: You will examine the legal and economic aspects of the construction and operation of heat networks, with particular attention to ownership and liability issues.
In addition to these existing lines of research, there is ample opportunity to explore and further develop new lines of research in collaboration with the professional field and your research group, in line with social issues and your own expertise.
Other tasks include:
- Develop professorship plans and budgets, and monitor the progress of your research line.
- Publish research results and ensure effective knowledge dissemination within and outside the organisation.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary research and collaborate with colleagues, other research groups, and external partners.
- Supervise students and teacher-researchers in (PhD) research and graduation projects.
- Actively contribute to the strategic goals of the institute, such as Hanze’s ambition: “Energy transition and circularity, sustainability with and for everyone.”
You will be working at the research group Legal Aspects of the Energy Transition, part of the Institute of Legal Studies, and functionally within ENTRANCE - Centre of Expertise Energy. This research group studies both legal and economic challenges within the energy transition, aiming to create business opportunities and find solutions to economic and legal barriers in the energy transition. In close collaboration with the management of the Institute of Legal Studies and the professors of ENTRANCE, you will ensure that your research makes an impact on both education and professional practice.
We are looking for someone who combines substantive expertise with development potential. Hard criteria are:
- A completed PhD in law.
- Knowledge of (Dutch) energy law.
- Excellent command of the English language, both spoken and written.
In addition, you recognise yourself in the following:
- Experience with legal issues surrounding the energy transition. Affinity with topics such as hydrogen or grid congestion is an advantage.
- Creativity in developing new ideas and research proposals, enabling you to explore existing themes in greater depth and initiate new lines of research.
- Experience in supervising students and lecturer-researchers.
- A relevant professional network within the energy transition, or the motivation to quickly build one.
- Experience in establishing collaborations with external partners and acquiring external funding.
Less experience?
Do you not yet have all the experience we ask for, but see the potential to grow into the role within a few years? Then we warmly invite you to apply
- A structural position, starting with a four-year contract and an evaluation after the first year. Start date as soon as possible.
- An appointment of 0.6 FTE. Expansion may be possible as the research group grows.
- A gross monthly salary in accordance with the Dutch higher education collective labour agreement (cao-hbo) (Professor B, scale 15). We offer candidates who are still developing in this field both a personal development track and a salary that reflects your experience.
- A comprehensive package of secondary employment conditions, including 8% holiday pay, a standard year-end bonus of 8.3%, and up to 53 days of leave.
- Flexible working arrangements, hybrid working, and a healthy work-life balance.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development through our Hanze PL Academy.
Organisational developments are currently taking place within the Hanze. As a result, functions and departments may be (partially) rearranged within the organisation in the future.
For more information, please contact:
- Suzanne van der Woude, Director of the Institute of Legal Studies: +31 50 595 7253
- Jan Jaap Aué, Director of ENTRANCE: +31 50 595 4600
Then send your resume and motivation, written in English, via the application button.
- Closing date is: 07/10/2025.
- The selection procedure consists of two interviews with different committees. The first interview is scheduled for Tuesday, 14 October 2025, and the second for Wednesday, 15 October 2025.
- An assessment may be part of the procedure.
- New employees are required to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) upon appointment. The Hanze University of Applied Sciences will reimburse the costs.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.
