Leiden University is seeking an enthusiastic and well-qualified postdoctoral researcher in network science (also known as complex networks or social network analysis). The candidate will be employed at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) of the Faculty of Science. A researcher with an interest and experience in the algorithmic and computational aspects of the field, is preferred. Moreover, the candidate is expected to contribute to a project combining network science with machine learning. Unique to this position is that the candidate is also invited to propose an individual methodological network science research idea to work on together with the PI during the time of appointment.

In addition, the candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with a team of researchers (MSc students, PhD students and PI) working on various algorithms and applications in network science. Examples include projects on network motifs, community detection, online social media and fake news, infrastructure networks and dark net forum networks. The group has access to a large number of relevant open and proprietary network datasets. In addition, there are a number of collaborative projects with partners in industry and the public sector.

Within this postdoc position, there are plenty of opportunities for interaction with other researchers interested in networks. For example within LIACS through the Computational Network Science Lab (http://cns.liacs.nl), at the Faculty of Science through the Leiden Complex Networks Network (http://lcn2.leidenuniv.nl), and nationally through for example the Dutch Network Science Society (http://www.netsci.nl).

Key responsibilities

• Conducting research on methodological network science topics;
• Contribute to a project of a PhD student on combining network science and machine learning, addressing the topics of bias and validation;
• Co-supervise MSc and PhD students on topics related to data science and network science;
• Organizing activities in the computer science institute and within the different network science initiatives in Leiden and the Netherlands;
• Securing additional external funding for research. 

• A PhD* in computer science or a related field (e.g., mathematics, physics or computational social science), ideally with a strong track record in network science (or complex network or social network analysis);
• Excellent writing skills and proficiency of the English language, demonstrated through published first author papers in respected and relevant conference proceedings or journals;
• Experience with programming in Python, R and perhaps C++;
• Able to work independently, in a team, and in a student supervisory role;
• An academic, creative and curious mindset. 

*: excellent candidates not (yet) past the PhD phase are also invited to apply.

We offer an 1 year fixed term position, starting 1 January 2020 at the earliest, for 1 FTE (5 days) with the possibility of working 0.8 FTE (4 days). During the time of appointment, the applicant is invited to actively seek funding for continuation of the position, assisted by and in collaboration with the PI. In addition, the position may be extended in duration if the candidate is qualified and able to also take on teaching-related activities.

Salary ranges from €2,709.- to €4,274.- gross per month based on a full-time position (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see http://workingat.leiden.edu.

Leiden University

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from mathematics, artificial intelligence, computer science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see http://www.science.leidenuniv.nl.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, see http://liacs.leidenuniv.nl.