Three PhD Positions on Link-Recommendation Algorithms and Social Dynamics

Have you always wanted to develop computational models to understand human social dynamics? Are you passionate about designing recommendation algorithms that are fair and positively impact society? Do you enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary research setting, at the interface of computer science, recommendation systems, computational social science, and behavioural sciences? If so, we have the right position for you! We are looking for ambitious doctoral students to join the European ERC project RE-LINK (Responsible Link-Recommendations in Dynamic Environments), at the University of Amsterdam.

With project RE-LINK, we aim at developing new computational models to evaluate 1) the long-term societal impacts of link-recommendation algorithms in online social networks and 2) design a new paradigm of link-recommenders that incentivize cooperation, fairness, collective action, and misinformation control.

This project will resort to mathematical and computational tools such as (evolutionary) game theory, network science, graph representation learning and recommendation systems. We will hire 3 PhD students to work on different components of the project:

Position 1: Study the long-term impacts of link-recommendation algorithms in cooperation dynamics and collective action dilemmas.
Position 2: Study the long-term impacts of link-recommendation algorithms in radicalization, polarization, and misinformation.
Position 3: Develop and evaluate new link-recommendation algorithms that consider long-term impacts in social dynamics.

We are looking for a profile combining a strong computational and mathematical background with curiosity, passion for scientific research and eagerness to comprehend social dynamics in hybrid systems where AI and humans co-exist. Let us know how your experience and interests fit with any of these positions. More info here .

What are you going to do?

This project will be conducted at the Informatics Institute of the University of Amsterdam. the selected candidates will work at the Socially Intelligent Artificial Systems (SIAS) group, in the new Prosocial Dynamics Lab .

Tasks and responsibilities
The candidates are expected to:

• Conduct independent research in the area(s) of multi-agent systems simulation, dynamics on complex networks, graph representation learning and/or recommendation algorithms (depending on the relevant position as described above);
• Develop new (optimized) computational models and systematically evaluate them locally and in high performance computing clusters;
• Read scientific literature and creatively suggest new research directions grounded in recent articles, in connection with the RE-LINK project;
• Present research results at international conferences and workshops and write research articles to be published in academic journals and book chapters;
• Be an active member of our research community, participate in regular meetings and collaborate with other researchers at the Informatics Institute;
• Assist in teaching activities and/or supervising students;
• Complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years.

What do you have to offer?

Your experience and profile:

• An MSc degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics/Physics, Complex Systems or related fields;
• A strong background/knowledge in computational modelling. Experience with evolutionary game theory and network science is a plus;
• Excellent programming skills preferably in Python, C++, Mathematica, or related languages;
• Strong communication, presentation and writing skills and an excellent command of English;
• Highly motivated, independent, and creative;
• Socially engaged, eager to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is Summer/Fall 2024, to be discussed during the interview(s). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,770 in the first year to € 3,539 in the last year (scale P). UvA additionally offers an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. The UFO profile PhD Candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park, we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• Multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• A complete educational program for PhD students;
• Multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• Multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• Partly paid parental leave;
• The possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• A pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• Help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .

About us

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 42,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science (FNWI) has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The mission of the Informatics Institute (IvI) is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. Our research involves complex information systems at large, with a focus on collaborative, data driven, computational and intelligent systems, all with a strong interactive component.

The Socially Intelligent Artificial Systems (SIAS) group is a research group that falls under the People, Society and Technology Theme of the Informatics Institute. How can AI systems boost common sense and collective wisdom? How can AI systems advance society in a fair and inclusive manner? How can AI systems be aligned with public values, goals, and behaviors, in a manner that respects social, cultural, economic, and political diversity between people and communities? The SIAS group addresses these questions through fundamental and applied research, focusing on socio-technical  solutions for / with / by  people & communities from all walks of life. The group has three key research lines: Pro-social AI, Responsible AI and Explainable AI. This Postdoc position will be embedded in the Pro-social AI research line, in the new Prosocial Dynamics Lab .

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions, or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 6 February 2024.

Applications should include the following information (all files apart from your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file ):

• A motivation letter that motivates your choice for this position; Please indicate your ordered preference for the positions listed above (max 1 page);
• A research statement on how to approach the project. Solid and creative ideas will be greatly appreciated (max 2 page);
• Curriculum vitae, including your list of publications if applicable;
• A link to your master’s thesis. If not yet completed, a 1-page summary of goals and 1 figure summarizing the key results so far will suffice;
• A complete record of Bachelor and Master courses (including grades and explanation of grading system);
• The names and contact addresses of at least two academic references (please do not include any recommendation letters).

Please make sure to provide ALL requested documents mentioned above.
You can use the CV field to upload your resume as a separate pdf document. Use the Cover Letter field to upload the other requested documents, including the motivation letter, as one single pdf file .

A knowledge security check may be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: National knowledge security guidelines ).

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. Please don’t send any applications by email.

We will invite potential candidates for interviews soon after the expiration of the vacancy.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

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