The University of Trier conducts socially relevant research and teaching at the cutting edge, with a strong focus on digitalisation, interdisciplinarity and diversity. The individual and their relationship with society, the law, the economy and the environment are at the heart of this. With over 10,000 students and around 2,000 staff, the University of Trier is one of the largest employers in the European border region of Trier. Short distances across a green campus, a vibrant academic life and an open-minded working culture offer plenty of opportunities to make a difference.
The Institute for Digital Law Trier is seeking to fill a post as a Research Assistant (m/f/d) (E 13 TV-L, 75%, fixed-term until 31 March 2029 for the purpose of qualification in accordance with the WissZeitVG) with effect from 1 May 2026 or later.
The advertised post is part of the DFG-funded research project “Trustworthy Question Answering to Enable Legal Information Access for Laypeople (TruQALIA)”, which is dedicated to the development and analysis of AI methods capable of generating reliable legal information for laypeople based on statutory texts and court rulings. The project is led by Prof. Dr Kumkar (University of Trier) in collaboration with Prof. Dr Habernal (Ruhr University Bochum). The legal component of the work focuses in particular on examining the legal framework for the training and deployment of legal AI models, including issues relating to data protection, copyright and regulatory law.
This position therefore offers the opportunity to explore key issues for the future at the interface between law and technology, and to play an active role in shaping academic discourse within a dynamic field of research.
The post is designed to support your own academic development; the project findings may form the basis of a doctoral thesis. We offer flexible working hours and allow remote working upon request. The eligibility criteria are set out in Section 57(2) and (3) of the Higher Education Act (HochSchG). Candidates must have passed the First State Examination in Law with above-average legal qualifications, which is generally demonstrated by at least one ‘Prädikatsexamen’ (a grade of ‘fully satisfactory’ or better). A proven interest in copyright law is required. Knowledge of English and French is an advantage.
Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file by 27 March 2026.
Please email your application to
irdt@uni-trier.de
University of Trier, IRDT
For the attention of Fabian Hoffmanns
Contact for enquiries
hoffmannsf@uni-trier.de
Tel. +49 651 201-4588 – hoffmannsf@uni-trier.de
www.uni-trier.de
People with severe disabilities and those treated as equivalent under Section 2(3) of SGB IX will be given preferential consideration if they are suitably qualified (please enclose supporting documentation). The University is committed to increasing the number of female researchers and strongly encourages them to apply. Applications may be submitted until 27 March 2026.
Please send the standard application documents (cover letter, CV, copies of certificates and proof of academic achievements) by email (in a single PDF file) to the Executive Manager of the IRDT, Mr Fabian Hoffmanns (irdt@uni-trier.de).
Applications may be submitted even before the examinations have concluded, provided the results of the written examinations are available. We ask that you submit your application documents preferably electronically, but in any case not in folders or sleeves, and only as uncertified copies, as the documents will not be returned but will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations. For further details on the processing of your personal data, please refer to the data protection information for application procedures in accordance with Article 13 of the GDPR on the University of Trier’s website.
