Doctoral Positions at the Social Networks Lab

The Social Networks Lab is offering fully funded doctoral positions (3-4 years), starting in late 2020 or early 2021. The doctoral projects are supervised by Prof. Christoph Stadtfeld. Researchers in the Social Networks Lab investigate the structure and dynamics of social networks by combining research approaches from the social sciences, statistics, and computer science. Current research projects test sociological theory in various empirical settings, and develop methods and software for the analysis of digital and survey-based network data.

Applicants can apply for research projects in any of the following domains or they can propose a different topic that relates to research conducted in the lab.

• Sociological analysis of large-scale digital data and survey data
• Statistical models and scientific software for the empirical study of social network dynamics
• Social network analysis in educational settings

The successful candidates will develop the detailed scope of the projects with their supervisors and collaborators in their first year.

Applicants hold an excellent master’s degree in sociology, network science, statistics, mathematics, psychology, or computer science (or a related field) and will be motivated to incorporate elements of different disciplines in their research project. Applicants must be fluent in English. We offer an inspiring research environment at one of the world’s top universities, close collaboration in a small research lab that is part of a leading international network of social networks researchers, advanced training in modern social networks research, generous research funding and a competitive salary in accordance with ETH standards. Tuition fees do not apply. Zurich has been repeatedly named as one of the cities with the highest quality of life and is host of a vibrant scientific community and international scientific conferences.

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.

Online applications with a letter of motivation, a CV, course transcripts and contact details of two academic referees should be submitted online by 11 September 2020. The letter should not exceed two pages and describe the candidate’s motivation to conduct research on social networks in the Social Networks Lab, explain which domains of research they are particularly interested in, and briefly summarize a publication written by members of the lab that the candidate finds particularly relevant for their own future work. The first interview round will take place online in the last two weeks of September 2020.

For further information, please contact Denise Weber on sn_office@gess.ethz.ch (after 24 August) and visit our website www.sn.ethz.ch. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.