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Andreas Flache

Just Landed

1 days ago

Postdoc in Understanding Social Dynamics in the Energy Transition via Computational Modelling with Agent Networks University of Groningen in Netherlands

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Funded by DFG and NWO; fixed-term 1.0 FTE for 3 years; salary indication €3706—€4599 per month.

Deadline

Nov 19, 2026

Country flag

Country

Netherlands

University

University of Groningen

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Keywords

Computer Science
Environmental Science
Social Media
Agent-based Modeling
Social Influence
Energy Transition
Computational Social Science
Computational Modelling
Opinion Dynamics

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About this position

This postdoc is part of the ECHO project, Energy transition, Collective dynamics and Human Opinions in agent-networks, a collaboration between the University of Groningen and the University of Oldenburg. The research examines how societal debates about the energy transition develop, with a particular focus on the social and opinion dynamics behind attitudes toward local renewable energy initiatives.

The Groningen-based part of the project is led from the Department of Sociology by Prof. Andreas Flache and is embedded in the research cluster Norms and Networks. The successful candidate will work closely with the wider international project team, including Prof. Sebastian Lehnhoff at the University of Oldenburg and Prof. Jacob Dijkstra at Groningen. The project also involves a PhD candidate and research assistants, offering a collaborative setting across institutions and disciplines.

The postdoc will further develop existing agent-based opinion dynamics models so they can be applied to empirical settings relevant to debates on the energy transition. The work combines computational modelling with empirical social science, using social network data from communities and exploring how modelled opinion dynamics can be connected to observed societal behavior. Simulation work will make use of tools such as NetLogo or Python.

A second core task is to compare and align these opinion dynamics models with LLM-based agent models developed by the German partner. The postdoc will contribute to the integration and evaluation of the two modelling approaches, and may also help test hypotheses using empirical social network data, behavioral experiments, or online data depending on expertise and project needs.

The position is based within the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences and the Interuniversity Center of Social Science Theory and Methodology (ICS), giving access to a strong sociology research environment and opportunities for exchange and presentation of interim results. The role also includes a teaching contribution within the department.

Funding details

Funded by DFG and NWO; fixed-term 1.0 FTE for 3 years; salary indication €3706—€4599 per month.

What's required

A PhD degree in sociology or a related discipline, preferably with a dissertation topic related to computational sociology. A relevant publication record in peer-reviewed international academic journals is required. Candidates should have demonstrable skills and experience in computational sociology, especially agent-based computational modelling, and interest in social aspects of the energy transition with knowledge of social influence processes in this domain. Experience in related empirical research, especially social network research and/or behavioral experiments or digital trace data, is expected. Applicants should show a clear interest in collaborative interdisciplinary research, excellent English, German and Dutch being desirable, the ability to work independently and manage joint research activities, and strong teamwork and communication skills.

How to apply

Apply via the AcademicTransfer application link. Prepare the application materials requested in the advert and submit them before the deadline. For questions about the job or application process, contact Andreas Flache or Anita van der Hoek by email.

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Professors

Full Professor at University of Groningen

University Name
Country flag

Netherlands

Research Interests

Social Psychology

Human Geography

Agent-based Modeling

Community Building

Racial Disparities

Professor at University of Groningen

University Name
Country flag

Netherlands

Research Interests

Computer Science

Opinion Dynamics

Environmental Science

Social Media

Energy Transition

Professor at University of Groningen

University Name
Country flag

Netherlands

Research Interests

Computational Social Science

Computational Modelling

Social Influence

Agent-based Modeling

Social Media