PhD position in Computational Social Sciences in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The Chair of Systems Design at ETH Zurich invites applications for one PhD position in the field of Computational Social Sciences.

Our research focuses on the structure and dynamics of complex social and economic systems. We mine and statistically analyse data to test hypotheses; build, calibrate and validate large-scale agent-based models; and develop mathematical frameworks to analyse social and economic systems.

The candidate will contribute to research on ongoing and new projects in the field of computational social science with a special focus on natural language processing (NLP). Specifically, the candidate will work with our interdisciplinary team covering statistical physics, political and social science, economics, applied mathematics, statistics, engineering and computer science to formulate his or her research plan. The SG team works with copious amounts of textual data and therefore the PhD will focus on leveraging NLP methods to advance new and existing projects in the field of computational social science.

For this reason, the candidate is expected to have experience with NLP methods and frameworks and be interested and able to formulate scientific research questions.

• Start date: 01.09.2020 (flexible)
• Possible extension of the contract: 3+ years
• Application deadline: 30.06.2020

• MSc degree in computer science (or a related field)
• Strong background in natural language processing (NLP), and excellent programming skills
• Interest in computational social science and the ability to formulate research questions
• Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) is a plus

Apart from excellent technical skills, candidates should show an interest in multidisciplinary 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.