2 PhD positions in Computational Social Sciences (NLP/data science) in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The Chair of Systems Design at ETH Zurich invites applications for two PhD positions in the field of Computational Social Sciences. The first PhD position focuses on the analysis of political speeches using NLP approaches. The second PhD position focuses on quantifying resilience in collaboration networks. Both PhD positions leverage a new data set on the Swiss parliament (longitudinal, 1891 until today). The two positions are associated with our SNF project (Analyzing Co-Sponsorship Networks from 127 Years of the Swiss Federal Assembly), but successful candidates are required to develop their own research plan.

The two PhD positions are loosely associated with our SNF project. In this project we aim to detect when politicians change their opinions and why. We examine parliamentary speeches (using both supervised and unsupervised ML approaches) and the temporal dynamics of how members of parliament work together. Our project builds on a newly compiled data set of the Swiss parliament from 1891-today. It contains all speeches, political interactions and collaboration networks from members of parliament over the past 128 years. For more information, see .

Our multi-lingual data set offers the opportunity to develop new methodologies in the field of NLP (including e.g., analyzing evolving speech patterns, speech complexity and sentiment analysis) and network science (including e.g., analyzing collaboration networks, multi-level networks, developing inferential network models). Starting from this unique data set, prospective candidates will develop their own research interests. The positions are available from May 2020 (flexible) and are fully funded for 3+ years by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF). Deadline for applications is February 16, 2020.

PhD position with focus on NLP: 

• MSc degree in computer science (or related field)
• Strong analytical skills and background in natural language processing 
• As most of the data is in German, good German skills are required

PhD position with focus on data science and networks:

• MSc degree in physics, data science, computer science (alternatively MSc/MA in social science with exceptional skills in quantitative analysis)
• strong background in data analysis and modelling
• excellent programming skills and ideally also high-performance computing and machine learning
• database management (e.g., SQL, neo4j)
• As most of the data is in German, good German skills are required

Apart from excellent technical skills, both candidates should show an interest in social and political science questions, be able to communicate well in an interdisciplinary team, and be highly motivated and creative in what they do.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.