Leiden University | PhD Candidate in Population-Scale Network Science

About this position

In this 4-year fully funded PhD position, the focus is on devising new network science approaches for analyzing longitudinal, population-scale social network data on the Dutch population data, sourced from Statistics Netherlands. Such data presents distinctive methodological challenges: their scale and temporal character require fast algorithms and careful tailoring of commonly used network measures and algorithms.

One particular challenge for the candidate applying for this position, is to develop novel measures of structural (in)equivalence in social networks for obtaining an interpretable understanding of how social network structure differs between different subgroups of a population. Moreover, when applied to two entirely different populations, these methods of comparing network structure should facilitate cross-country comparative analyses of population-scale social network structure, enabling an understanding of similarities and differences in the social fabric of countries.

In addition to the above, there is also space for the candidate to pursue a direction of research related to network science that fits both the candidate and the broader aims of the group

Embedding

The PhD candidate will be employed at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), which is the computer science and AI institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. More in particular, the candidate will become part of 1) the interdisciplinary inter-university PLANET-NL initiative, which is a collaboration of the University of Amsterdam and Leiden University rooted in computational social science and network science, and 2) the Leiden Network Science group.

Both the research groups and the institute are highly international and feature a mix of disciplinal and cultural backgrounds. There are plenty of additional opportunities for other types of interaction and collaboration, for example at the Faculty of Science through the Leiden Complex Networks Network (LCN2) and nationally through the Dutch Network Science Society. The candidate will be asked to engage in (limited) BSc and MSc student (co-) supervision, small teaching assistance tasks, and potentially minor roles in scientific organizational activities.

What you will do

• Conducting research in the area of network science;
• Writing an article-based PhD thesis;
• Engaging in collaborative research as a member of the PLANET-NL inter-university research group;
• Membership of and engagement with the Leiden Network Science research group;
• Co-supervising BSc and MSc students on topics related to data science and network science;
• Engaging in minor scientific organizational organizing activities.

Where you will work

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from mathematics, artificial intelligence, computer science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences.

The faculty is home to more than 2,700 staff members and over 6,000 students enrolled in nine bachelor’s and fifteen master’s programs. We are located at the heart of the Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s largest science parks, where academia and industry come together.

You will be part of the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). LIACS offers the bachelor’s programs in Computer Science and Data Science/Artificial Intelligence, as well as master’s programs in Computer Science, ICT in Business and the Public Sector, Media Technology, and Science Based Business. According to an independent research assessment, LIACS is one of the leading computer science departments in the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a supportive institute where academic achievement, enjoyment, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and welcoming career path for young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, visit our website: http://www.cs.leiden.edu

Applications

To apply for this vacancy, please use the application button on this webpage.Ensure that you attach the following additional documents with your application:

• A short cover letter of at most 1 page, detailing your motivation to apply for this position;
• An academic CV;
• A recent writing example (typically the MSc thesis) that you are proud of and reflects your academic writing skills;
• Names and contact details of at least two people that can be contacted for reference (they should only have agreed to be contacted; there is no need to send letters).

Promising applicants may be contacted for exploratory conversations before the closing date. Application( letter)s written solely using AI, for example reflected through mere hollow sentences, will not be considered.

The earliest possible starting date is January 1, 2027. For candidates who require a VISA, this date may shift by the duration of the VISA application procedure applicable to their country of origin.

The deadline for applications is November 12, 2026. The first round of interviews is on November 23 between 9:00 and 17:00 Netherlands time. If applicable, the second round of interviews is likely on December 7.

Application and more details: https://careers.universiteitleiden.nl/job/PhD-Candidate-in-Population-Scale-Network-Science-%281_0-FTE%2C-4-years%29/16940-en_US