Postdoctoral Researcher in Network Science

About this position
Leiden University is seeking an enthusiastic and well-qualified postdoctoral researcher in network science, a field also referred to as complex networks or social network analysis. Unique about this 3-year position, is that there is no specific application area or granted project underlying this position. Instead, candidates are expected to bring a strong interest and experience in the methods and/or algorithms in network science. This means that the candidate can to a large extent freely determine the scope of research of this 3-year position, as long as it falls within the scope of network science research. Candidates with an interest in (applications in) social networks, economic/corporate networks, or scientific collaboration/citation networks, are particularly invited to apply. In case of doubt or questions about suitability of your work for this position, feel very welcome to reach out to dr. Frank Takes (f.w.takes@liacs.leidenuniv.nl) before formally applying.

The candidate will be encouraged to collaborate on projects with other members of the Computational Network Science (CNS, https://cns.liacs.nl) group. The group has access to a large number of relevant open and proprietary network datasets, computing facilities and a wide range of expertises, both in applied and fundamental network science research areas. Moreover, there are ample opportunities to collaborate with other research groups at LIACS in for example data science, machine learning, text mining and algorithm design. In addition, collaborations and research proposals in light of the group’s strong affiliation with the Population-Scale Social Network Analysis (POPNET; https://www.popnet.io), are also possible.

Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for other types of interaction and collaboration, for example at the Faculty of Science through the Leiden Complex Networks Network (LCN2, https://lcn2.leidenuniv.nl) and nationally through for example the Dutch Network Science Society (https://www.netsci.nl). In addition, during the appointment, the candidate will integrate within LIACS, the computer science department of Leiden University, and engage in (limited) BSc, MSc and PhD student (co-)supervision, as well as minor scientific organizational activities for the CNS group and the Dutch Network Science Society.

To apply, candidates are required to submit, in addition to an academic CV including a working Google Scholar profile URL, a brief proposal of 1 to 2 pages detailing the network science research direction or idea that the candidate wants to work on together with the PI during the time of appointment.

Key responsibilities

• Conducting research in the area of network science.
• Co-supervising BSc, MSc and PhD students on topics related to data science and network science.
• Serving as a more senior member of the CNS research group.
• Engaging in organizing activities in the computer science institute and within the different network science initiatives in Leiden and the Netherlands.

Required qualifications

• A PhD* in computer science or a related field (e.g., mathematics, physics or computational social science), with a strong track record in network science (or complex networks / 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, and/or R and/or C++.
• Able to work independently, in a team, and in a student (co-)supervisory role.
• An academic, creative and curious mindset.

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

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time (1.0 FTE, or 0.8 FTE if desired by the candidate), fixed-term post for three years, with a salary range from € € 3.226,- to € 5.090,- gross per month (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). The earliest possible starting date is November 1, 2023.
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. 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 and fixed compensation for relocation costs.

D&I statement
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Research at our Faculty/Institute
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to contribute to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor's and twelve master's programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and almost 5,000 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.

You will be part of the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). LIACS offers courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, LIACS is 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.