2-year postdoc researcher on linguistic justice

Tilburg University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the European Union-funded PROCLAIM project on online hate speech amplified by AI technologies (PI: Dr. Seunghyun Song). In this position, you will conduct internationally oriented research at the intersection of linguistic justice, hate speech theory, and AI ethics, while contributing to urgent societal and policy debates on freedom of expression and content moderation in digital environments. You will work closely with leading academic and non-academic partners across Europe and contribute to research with direct relevance for European policymakers and regulatory institutions. The position offers an excellent opportunity to further develop an international academic profile through high-impact publications, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful societal engagement.

Your position

The postdoc’s primary responsibility will be to contribute to a work package of the PROCLAIM project, which focuses on online hate speech that is amplified by AI technologies. The postdoc researcher is expected to perform research in the intersections of linguistic justice, hate speech theories, and AI ethics. Two specific fields of research must be conducted: (1) the researcher will contribute to developing new conceptual and analytical methods for identifying and conceptualizing different types of hate speech, importantly, by using the framework of linguistic justice; (2) investigate to what extent hate speech has been tolerated within the so-called “grey area” of freedom of speech and where content moderation would be required. These research activities must result in at least two publications in prestigious international, peer-reviewed journals, as they are the required deliverables of this project. The researcher will work closely with researchers from Tilburg University and from one of the partner organisations, the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), in their scientific research. Moreover, the researcher will work with non-academic dissemination partners of the consortium, who will disseminate the research findings to the European Commission, policymakers, and other target groups.

Typical activities will include:

• Conducting literature reviews and conceptual analyses on hate speech and freedom of expression through the framework of linguistic justice,
• Analyzing European legal and policy frameworks related to hate speech regulation, including the Digital Services Act and other EU legal instruments;
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary academic partners and external stakeholders;
• Participating in policy feedback cycles with European institutions and governmental bodies;
• Organizing and contributing to academic workshops, stakeholder meetings, and dissemination activities;
• Publishing peer-reviewed scientific articles and contributing to policy briefs and reports;
• Possibility of acquiring some teaching experience, if the candidate wishes, which may prolong the contract.

The postdoc will engage and discuss with the broader PROCLAIM consortium and collaborate with the researchers to gain sufficient grip on the technological side and provide input for other deliverables.

Your profile

1.     A completed PhD in political philosophy or relevant fields, with a clear research trajectory in linguistic justice (required), hate speech (preferred), and/or AI ethics (preferred).

2.     Minimum 2 years of research experience in research upon finishing their PhD.

3.     Minimum CEFR level [C2/C1/B2] English, with excellent speaking and writing skills demonstrated by published work. Dutch is not required.

4.     A strong, promising track record of international peer-reviewed publications.

Our offer

We offer a temporary position of 2 years (1.0 fte) in a stimulating and dynamic interdisciplinary research environment. You will work in close collaboration with the project’s principal investigator and have regular team meetings with the other members of the group. The position will be ranked in the Dutch university job ranking system (UFO) as Researcher 4 (“Onderzoeker 4”). In accordance with the conditions as indicated in the CAO NU, the salary is dependent on the candidate’s experience and is set at CAO NU scale 10 with a minimum of € 3.546 and a maximum of € 5.538 gross per month, on a full-time basis.

Tilburg University is rated among the top Dutch employers and has excellent terms of employment, such as a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% (annually), an options model, and reimbursement of moving expenses. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a tax-free allowance. During the first 20 months, 30% of the salary will be reimbursed untaxed. In the next 20 months, this percentage drops to 20% and during the last 20 months, the untaxed reimbursement is 10% of the salary. The university will apply for such an allowance on their behalf. The Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences will provide assistance in finding suitable accommodation. The collective labor agreement of the Dutch Universities applies. Successful candidates must remain at least 80% of their working days in the Netherlands (as a requirement of tax and social security laws).

The Department

The Department of Philosophy (DFI) at Tilburg University is both an important center of academic teaching and internationally recognized for its research. It offers a lively, amicable and stimulating teaching and research environment. The department provides a supportive, collegial environment that takes the transition to new ways of recognizing and rewarding scientists seriously. Philosophical research at Tilburg is often done in an interdisciplinary framework.

Want to know more?

Would you like to know more before applying? Feel free to contact the Principal Investigator, Seunghyun Song, at [email protected].

Want to apply?

The candidate should submit all of the following documents:

1.     A letter of application, in which you describe your personal motivation and qualifications for the position. Please include explanations of any circumstances that you would like to be taken into account when considering your application (e.g., parental leave, etc.).

2.     A CV, including the names and contact information of two referees. (Reference letters will be requested only for shortlisted candidates);

3.     A short research plan explaining your potential contribution to the project (i.e., research ideas with respect to the work package (max. 1000 words).

Note for PhD students: your application will only be taken into account if you have successfully defended your PhD or if you can provide an official guarantee that your thesis defence is scheduled before September 1, 2026.

The deadline for applications is the 12th of July, 2026. We will inform shortlisted candidates before the 15th of July, 2026. Interviews will be held between the 22nd and 23rd of July. Decisions will be announced before the 15th of August, 2026.

Applications must be submitted online through this link https://tiu.nu/23929.

About Tilburg University

Tilburg University is an inspiring university offering a stimulating and challenging environment for students, staff, and alumni. The university highly values authenticity, academic freedom, professionalism, and continuous development. In its top-quality education and research programs in the disciplines of the social sciences and the humanities, the university is committed to addressing equality issues in society at national and international levels. It does so by training people for positions of responsibility in society and by contributing to socially sustainable solutions.

Tilburg University draws on a rich tradition that nourishes reflection and also encourages the academic community's awareness of its philosophy in relation to academic discipline.

Tilburg University is committed to the value of diversity and, in that spirit, welcomes applications from underrepresented groups within philosophy and academia, including members of minority groups and people with disabilities. Information about the various measures Tilburg University has undertaken to increase gender equality, diversity, and inclusion can be found on the Working at Tilburg University /Gender & Diversity page.

Application Code

Tilburg University uses the NVP job application code.

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