Leiden University
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PhD Candidate on Responsible AI for Online Safety (1.0 FTE) Leiden University in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Full-time paid PhD employment with a salary of €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month, plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, pension scheme, and commuting reimbursement.
Deadline
Dec 13, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Leiden University
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About this position
This PhD project explores responsible AI for online safety at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computational social science. The research focuses on developing trustworthy and accountable methods for AI systems that remain reliable when people or other AI systems try to manipulate them.
The project includes methodological and empirical work on topics such as detecting AI-driven manipulation, including coordinated influence campaigns and social bots, building early warning systems for online harms such as fraud and scams, and studying how humans and AI systems can jointly recognize and counter manipulation. The successful candidate will contribute original research in these areas and work with colleagues at LIACS and international partners.
The PhD student will be embedded in the System and Security cluster at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) within the Faculty of Science at Leiden University. LIACS describes itself as a leading computer science department in the Netherlands and offers a supportive, international research environment in which academic achievement, enjoyment, and diversity are emphasized.
The role also includes publishing and presenting research at leading venues in AI, computational social science, and cybersecurity, contributing to teaching activities, and writing a PhD thesis on the results of the project.
Funding details
Full-time paid PhD employment with a salary of €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month, plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, pension scheme, and commuting reimbursement.
What's required
A Master’s (or equivalent) degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a closely related quantitative field such as Mathematics, Physics, or Computational Social Science is required. Applicants should have a solid background in machine learning, and familiarity with natural language processing, large language models, or network analysis is a plus. Strong programming skills, for example in Python and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, and experience with real-world data are expected. The position also asks for genuine interest in the societal impact of AI and interdisciplinary research bridging computer science and the social sciences. Prior research experience, such as a research-oriented thesis or a scientific publication, is a plus. Candidates must be able to work independently and in a team, communicate research clearly in writing and orally, and have proficiency in English; Dutch is not required.
How to apply
Apply online via the blue button on the university vacancy page. Upload a cover letter, CV, MSc degree or expected graduation date, bachelor’s and master’s transcripts, and any optional writing sample, code links, and reference contacts. Submit before 2026-12-13 23:59 CET.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.