Moritz Otto

Leiden University is recruiting a PhD candidate for a four-year, fully funded project in complex networks , at the intersection of mathematics and computer science. The research will investigate how mathematically tractable models can explain important features of complex networks, including clustering, community structure, and degree heterogeneity. The project combines theoretical modelling with computational and data-driven investigations of real-world networks. The PhD will be co-supervised across Leiden’s Mathematical Institute and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science and AI (LIACS), with Moritz Otto, Akrati Saxena, and Michel Mandjes involved in supervision. Relevant academic interests include network science, graph theory, probability, random graphs, complex systems, mathematical modelling, and computational analysis. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in mathematics, computer science, or a related discipline, have relevant background in network science or related topics, and possess programming experience. Students who expect to complete their Master’s by early spring 2027 may also apply. The deadline is 24 November 2026 . The start date is flexible, preferably before April 2027. See the application details at the Leiden University careers page .