PhD Candidate on Responsible AI for Online Safety (1.0 FTE)

Leiden University; Nederland; Hybrid; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Laptop provided

Hybrid work options

Public transport reimbursement

Job summary

Leiden University invites applications for a PhD position at LIACS, focusing on responsible AI in cybersecurity and computational social science. You will conduct original research, publish in top venues, and contribute to teaching while shaping a thesis on AI methods for online safety.

The role embeds you in the System and Security Cluster under senior supervisors, with a path toward a PhD degree and a flexible hybrid work arrangement in the Netherlands.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or closely related field.
• Strong background in machine learning with an interest in AI safety and societal impact.
• Proven ability to work on research projects and publish results.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research on responsible AI methods for online safety.
• Publish and present scientific articles at AI, computational social science and cybersecurity venues.
• Contribute to educational activities as a (head) teaching assistant and write a PhD thesis.

Skills

Machine learning

Python

Deep learning (PyTorch)

English writing and presentation

Independent and team work

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science or related quantitative field

Tools

PyTorch

Python

Job description

Organisation/Company Leiden University Research Field Computer science » Programming Computer science » Cybernetics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 13 Dec 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 38.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Artificial intelligence, and generative AI in particular, is reshaping digital ecosystems and the way people access information, make decisions, and stay safe, creating new opportunities and new risks for society. This PhD project sits at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and computational social science, and focuses on responsible AI, developing trustworthy and accountable methods that remain reliable when people or AI systems actively try to manipulate them. You will contribute to this area through methodological and empirical research, collaborating with colleagues at LIACS and international partners. Potential research topics include, but are not limited to, modeling and detecting AI-driven manipulation such as coordinated influence campaigns and social bots, building early warning systems for online harms such as fraud and scams, and studying how humans and AI systems can jointly recognize and counter manipulation.

What you will do

The PhD student will be embedded in the System and security cluster at the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, supervised by Dr. Valerio La Gatta and Dr. Olga Gadyastkaya from the Leiden Organizational Cyber Security Group. The successful candidate will conduct original research on responsible AI methods for online safety, publish and present scientific articles at leading venues in AI, computational social science, and cybersecurity, contribute to educational activities as a (head) teaching assistant and finally write a PhD thesis detailing the outcome of the research activities.

Where you will work

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from mathematics, artificial intelligence, computer science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences The faculty is home to more than 2,700 staff members and over 6,000 students enrolled in nine bachelor's and fifteen master's programs. We are located at the heart of the Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s largest science parks, where academia and industry come together. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science .

What you bring

• A Master’s (or equivalent) degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a closely related quantitative field (e.g., Mathematics, Physics, or Computational Social Science);
• Solid background in machine learning; familiarity with natural language processing, large language models, or network analysis is a plus;
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch) and experience working with real-world data;
• Genuine interest in the societal impact of AI and in interdisciplinary research bridging computer science and the social sciences;
• Prior research experience, such as a research-oriented thesis or a scientific publication, is a plus;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team, and to communicate research findings clearly in writing and in oral presentations;
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written (Dutch is not required, but LIACS does subsidize optional Dutch language courses).

What we offer

• An employment contract for the duration of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended by a further three years.
  This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between € 3.204,= and € 4.051,= gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours, Payscale P);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

The expected starting date is March 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter

What we value

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.

Information

Enquiries can be made to Dr. Valerio La Gatta, who will be the daily supervisor for this position, email: [e-mail] . If you have If you have any questions about the application, please sent an email to: [e-mail] .

Only applications received before Dec 13, 2026, 23:59 CET can be considered. Early applications are welcome, since this will help speed up the recruitment process, but all applications submitted before the deadline will be given equal consideration. Your application will be treated confidentially and will be assessed by researchers from the System and Security Cluster at LIACS, Leiden University.