PhD Candidate in Complex Networks

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is looking for a:

PhD Candidate in Complex Networks (4 years, 1.0 FTE)

About this position

Are you a passionate and committed young researcher well versed in social random graphs, complex networks or network science? Would you like to be involved in frontier interdisciplinary research in probability and modeling of complex networks in an inspiring academic environment? Effective immediately, at Leiden University, we are seeking a PhD student in Complex Networks with Structural Inequalities. The candidate will work on both probabilistic and modeling aspects of complex networks.

We are looking for

An excellent young scientist with a MSc degree or equivalent in computer science, mathematics, data science, statistics, physics or a related field. You have a keen interest in probability, well-developed skillset in (scientific) programming, and an affinity with network analysis in particular. You familiarize yourself quickly with new topics and have the creativity and curiosity to develop new network algorithms and measures. The ideal candidate has a critical, open-minded, and collaborative spirit; is creative, precise, and does not shy back from entering new scholarly terrain at the cutting edge of network science and machine learning.

You will be part both of the Probability research group of the Mathematical Institute (MI) and of the Computational Network Science (CNS) research group of LIACS, the computer science and AI department of the Faculty of Science at Leiden University. The candidate will be encouraged to collaborate on projects with other members of the group, which has access to a large number of relevant open and proprietary network datasets and a wide range of expertise, both in applied and fundamental network science research areas. Moreover, there are ample opportunities to collaborate with other research groups at LIACS, for example, data science, text mining, and algorithms. LIACS has an active PhD community that organizes seminars and social events specifically for PhD students. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for interaction and academic collaboration with other researchers in network science.

What will you be doing as a PhD Candidate?

• Conducting research on Complex Networks with Structural Inequalities, leading to peer-reviewed publications.
• Writing an article-based PhD thesis within the duration of the position.
• Co-supervising BSc and MSc students (Limited involvement).
• Presenting research at international conferences.
• Being an active member of the CNS research group and taking up minor local organizational activities.
• Engaging in a limited number of teaching activities.

Selection criteria:

• A Master degree* in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, mathematics, physics), ideally with experience in network science, complex networks, probability and/or random graphs.
• Excellent writing skills and proficiency of the English language.
• Good programming skills (e.g. in Python or R).
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• An academic, creative and curious mindset.

*Candidates not (yet) past the master’s phase are also invited to apply, assuming they will graduate in spring/summer 2025.

Our organisation

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master's programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

Terms and conditions

We offer a full-time 1-year term position for 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, with a salary range from € 2.901,- to € 3.707,- gross per month (in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break and fixed compensation for relocation costs.

D&I statement

Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community that enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality teaching and research are inclusive.