PhD on Polarisation Detection through Network Science and Natural Language Processing (1.0 FTE)

Multiple crises and social dynamics in the 21st century have given rise to a critical issue—political polarisation. This PhD project aims to clarify how we conceptualise and measure polarisation by focusing on belief systems' interconnectedness, using advanced natural language processing (NLP) techniques. Unlike traditional studies that examine isolated attitudes, we seek to understand polarisation by exploring the entire belief system's structure and dynamics.
The goals of this PhD project are:

Your work will also include teaching tasks and statistical consultancy. The amount of time spent on teaching and consultation will, in total, be between 10% (default minimum) and 20% (contract will be extended accordingly to have the standard total research time to deliver the PhD dissertation).

The responsibilities include:

• conducting research for the project (e.g., literature review, developing NLP or network algorithms, analysing data);
• writing scientific papers submitted to international top journals and a dissertation that combines the theoretical and statistical aspects of the project;
• presenting at (inter)national scientific conferences;
• active participation in the research team of the UU Department of Methodology and Statistics (M&S) and the Interuniversity Graduate School of Psychometrics and Sociometrics (IOPS);
• knowledge utilisation: collaborating and sharing findings with practitioners (e.g., professional publications and presentations for partner organisations);
• following courses/training (e.g., NLP and network inference courses);
• assist in teaching courses related to data science (e.g., network science, text mining).

We are looking for an enthusiastic colleague who meets the requirements below:

• You have completed (or almost completed) a Master’s degree in a domain relevant for the project, for instance methodology and statistics, computer science, complex systems, data science, mathematics, or quantitative psychology or social science.
• You have substantial programming skills, preferably in Python and R.
• You have experience working with natural language process models.
• You are interested in modeling social and behavioural data, in particular polarisation.
• You have a passion for interdisciplinary research.
• You are a motivated and collaborative team member, communicative and open to collaboration across scientific fields.
• You are willing to contribute to Open Science.
• You can work independently and have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (C1 level).

We offer:

• a position (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment;
• a full-time gross salary ranging from €2,770 to €3,539 in scale P of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (CAO);
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the CAO.

In addition to the employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development , leave arrangements, sports and cultural schemes and you get discounts on software and other IT products. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to grow. For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University .

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes . Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow .
The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues. The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.

For more information about this position, please contact Anastasia Giachanou at [email protected] or Javier Garcia Bernardo at [email protected] .

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation (max 1 page), via the ‘apply’ button.
Please note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff . Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal .
The first round of interviews takes place in mid-January.
The preferred start date is March 2024.