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PhD in Population-Scale Network Science at Leiden University Leiden University in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Fully funded 4-year PhD employment contract. Initial appointment is for one year and, after positive evaluation, extends for a further three years. Salary is €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month based on a full-time 38-hour appointment, plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, pension, commuting reimbursement, and other employment benefits.
Deadline
Nov 12, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Leiden University

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About this position
PhD opportunity in Population-Scale Network Science at Leiden University
This 4-year fully funded PhD position is based at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), Faculty of Science, Leiden University, in the Netherlands. The project focuses on developing new network science methods for analyzing longitudinal, population-scale social network data from the Dutch population (Statistics Netherlands). The research is centered on fast algorithms, network measures, and novel approaches to structural (in)equivalence in social networks, with opportunities to extend the work toward cross-country comparative analyses and other network science directions aligned with the group.
The successful candidate will join the interdisciplinary PLANET-NL initiative, the Leiden Network Science group, and the broader LIACS environment. The role includes conducting research, writing an article-based PhD thesis, collaborating across disciplines, co-supervising BSc and MSc students, and contributing to minor teaching and organizational activities.
Eligibility highlights include an MSc in computer science or a related field such as mathematics, physics, or computational social science; affinity with network science or complex networks/social network analysis; strong academic writing; near-fluent English; and programming experience in Python, R, and/or C++. Candidates should be able to work independently and in teams, and show curiosity and openness to interdisciplinary work.
Funding includes a salaried employment contract for one year initially, extendable by three years after positive evaluation. The salary is €3,204–€4,051 gross per month (38 hours/week), plus holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, pension, commuting reimbursement, and other Dutch university employment benefits.
Application deadline: 12 November 2026 at 22:59 UTC. Apply online through AcademicTransfer and submit a cover letter, CV, writing sample, and referee contacts. For more information, contact Prof. Dr. Frank Takes at [email protected].
Funding details
Fully funded 4-year PhD employment contract. Initial appointment is for one year and, after positive evaluation, extends for a further three years. Salary is €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month based on a full-time 38-hour appointment, plus 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, pension, commuting reimbursement, and other employment benefits.
What's required
Applicants should have an MSc in computer science or a related field such as mathematics, physics, or computational social science, with affinity for network science or complex networks/social network analysis. Strong writing skills are required, demonstrated by a writing sample such as an MSc thesis. Candidates should have good English proficiency, near-fluent spoken English, experience programming in Python or alternatively R and/or C++, and the ability to work independently and in a team. An academic, creative, curious mindset and an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration are preferred. Excellent candidates who have not yet completed the MSc but expect to graduate in early Spring 2027 may also apply.
How to apply
Apply online via the blue button in the vacancy on AcademicTransfer. Attach a one-page cover letter, academic CV, recent writing sample (typically MSc thesis), and names and contact details of at least two referees. For questions about the position, email Prof. Dr. Frank Takes; for procedure questions, email [email protected].
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