The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is looking for a:

PhD Candidate in Algorithmic Fairness in Social Network Analysis (1.0 FTE)

About this position
Are you a passionate and committed young researcher well versed in social network analysis, complex networks or network science? Would you like to be involved in frontier research on algorithmic fairness, biases, and inequalities in large-scale social network analysis in an inspiring academic environment? Effective immediately, at Leiden University, we are seeking a PhD student in Algorithmic Fairness in Social Network Analysis. The candidate will work on analyzing fairness and biases in network-based algorithms, develop fairness-aware algorithms, and design intervention methods to promote fairness in networks.

We are looking for
An excellent young scientist with a MSc degree or equivalent in computer science, data science, computational social science, statistics, physics, mathematics, or a related field. You have a keen interest in algorithms, well-developed skillset in (scientific) programming, and an affinity with network analysis in particular. You are able to work with very large data and have the creativity and curiosity to develop new network algorithms and measures. The ideal candidate has a critical, open-minded, and collaborative spirit; is creative, precise, and does not shy back from entering new scholarly terrain at the cutting edge of network science and machine learning.

You will be part of the Computational Network Science (CNS) research group (see https://cns.liacs.nl) of LIACS, the computer science and AI department of the Faculty of Science at Leiden University. The candidate will be encouraged to collaborate on projects with other members of the group, which has access to a large number of relevant open and proprietary network datasets and a wide range of expertise, both in applied and fundamental network science research areas. Moreover, there are ample opportunities to collaborate with other research groups at LIACS, for example, data science, text mining, and algorithms. LIACS has an active PhD community that organizes seminars and social events specifically for PhD students. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for interaction and academic collaboration with other researchers in network science. For example, faculty-wide through the Leiden Complex Networks Network (LCN2, https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/lcn2) and nationally through, for example, the Dutch Network Science Society (https://www.netsci.nl).

What will you be doing as a PhD Candidate?

• Conducting research on Algorithmic Fairness in Social Network Analysis, leading to peer-reviewed publications;
• Writing an article-based PhD thesis within the duration of the position;
• Co-supervising BSc and MSc students (Limited involvement);
• Presenting research at international conferences;
• Being an active member of the CNS research group and taking up minor local organizational activities;
• Engaging in a limited number of teaching activities;

Selection criteria:

• A master’s degree* in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, mathematics, physics), ideally with experience in network science, complex networks and/or social network analysis;
• Experience with programming in languages relevant to social network analysis, including at least Python and perhaps also R and/or C++;
• Excellent writing skills and proficiency of the English language;
• Able to work independently and in a team;
• An academic, creative and curious mindset;
• *Candidates not (yet) past the master’s phase are also invited to apply, assuming they will graduate in Summer 2024.

Our organisation

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.

Terms and conditions

We offer a full-time (1.0 FTE), fixed-term post for four years, with a salary range from € 2.770,- to € 3.539,- gross per month (pay scale P 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 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 that 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 are inclusive.

Information
In case of doubt or questions about the suitability of your research interest for this position, feel very welcome to reach out to dr. Akrati Saxena (a.saxena@liacs.leidenuniv.nl) or dr. Frank Takes, email:
f.w.takes@liacs.leidenuniv.nl, telephone: +31 71 527 7143, before formally applying.

If you have any questions about the application procedure, please contact jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl

Applications
Applications should be submitted no later than 8 September 2024. You can apply online via the blue button in the vacancy.

Please make sure to include the vacancy number and the following attachments:

• A short cover letter of at most 2 pages detailing your motivation to apply for the position, stating why you think you are an excellent candidate;
• A CV listing relevant academic activities thus far;
• A recent writing example (paper or thesis) that you are proud of and reflects your academic writing skills;
• Names and contact details of at least one person that can be contacted for reference (they should have agreed to be contacted; there is no need to send letters);

Only applications received before 8 Sep 2024 can be considered.

Interviews are expected to take place from 12 Sep 2024, until a suitable candidate has been found. The earliest possible starting date is 1 November 2024.