PhD Candidate in Population-Scale Network Science (1.0 FTE, 4 years)

This 4-year PhD position focuses on developing novel network science methods to analyze longitudinal, population-scale social network data from Statistics Netherlands. Key responsibilities include creating algorithms for analyzing large temporal datasets and developing new measures of structural equivalence for comparative population subgroup analysis. Applicants need an MSc in a related field, programming experience (Python preferred), strong writing skills, and a curious, interdisciplinary mindset.

• 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.

• A MSc* in computer science or a related field (e.g., mathematics, physics or computational social science), showing affinity with network science (or complex networks / social network analysis)
• Good writing skills, demonstrated through a writing sample (typically the MSc thesis) to be submitted with the application
• Good proficiency of the English language, demonstrated by the ability to have a near fluent in-person conversation in English
• Curious and open-minded attitude to successfully collaborate across disciplines, preferably with an interest in translating insights from computer science to the social sciences, and vice versa
• Experience with programming in Python, or otherwise in R and/or C++
• Able to work independently and in a team
• An academic, creative and curious mindset.
• : excellent candidates not (yet) past the MSc phase, but with graduation in early Spring 2027 well in sight, are also invited to apply.

• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours
• you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands
• An employment contract for the duration of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended by a further three years This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities
• After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended by a further three years
• A salary between € 3.204,= and € 4.051,= gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours, Payscale P)
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions
• we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme