Background

Relational event (social network) history data are becoming increasingly available due to technological developments (e.g., email, sociometric badges). These data contain precise information about who was interacting with whom and at what point in time. This new type of data has the potential to greatly contribute to our understanding of dynamic social networks by providing new insights about speed, rhythm, duration, and lag in social interactions. However a crucial problem is that statistical tools for analyzing such data are currently underdeveloped.

Project

The goal of this project is to develop novel (Bayesian) statistical methods for analyzing these time-stamped relational data. Methods need to be developed for fitting dynamic relational event models, and for testing the fit of these models. Moreover, efficient algorithms must be developed that allows users to apply these models to real-life data with ease. Finally, the methods will be used to answer substantive research questions on dynamic social networks. The project will be supervised by dr.ir. Joris Mulder associate professor at the department of Methodology & Statistics and prof.dr. Roger Leenders at the department of Organization Studies.

We are looking for a postdoc researcher with a PhD background in (mathematical) statistics, sociometrics, biostatistics, econometrics, or the like, and a strong interest in (Bayesian) dynamic social network models. Candidates with a social science background with very strong quantitative skills are also encouraged to apply. Finally, programming skills (in R, Matlab, Python, Java, C++ or otherwise) are a must.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years, 9 months.

Tilburg University is among the top Dutch employers and has an excellent policy concerning terms of employment. The collective employment terms and conditions for Dutch universities apply. The postdoc appointment starts off with a 12 month contract and will be extended for the remaining project period (21 months) under the condition of a good first year evaluation. We offer a gross salary of at least € 3.111,- per month up to € 4.084,- depending on working experience. Furthermore an attractive package of benefits, including, sports facilities, an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year allowance. If applicable we can apply for the 30% tax regulation.

Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences accommodates the traditional disciplines of Psychology and Sociology but also comprises unique multidisciplinary research areas for Health, Care & Well-Being, People, Work, & Organizations together with research groups which take social issues as a starting point. The inspiring working environment where involvement and cooperation are considered to be basic principles, challenges our staff to realize their ambitions.

Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department Methodology and Statistics

The department is part of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Tilburg University and responsible for the teaching and the research in the area of methodology and statistics for the social and behavioral sciences. The Department of Methodology and Statistics is an internationally renowned group, holding several experts in data science methods, latent variable methods, psychometrics, meta-research, survey methodology, and other applied statistics fields. The department has a strong tradition of working with the other (substantive) research programs in our School and with the Data Science programs (including the novel joint bachelor in Data Science together with the Technical University of Eindhoven), and the Liberal Arts and Science program of Tilburg University. The department is a member of the Interuniversity Graduate School for Psychometrics and Sociometrics (IOPS).