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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary paid monthly (Payscale) 3,204–4

Holiday allowance 8%

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

ABP pension scheme

Job summary

Leiden University in the Netherlands invites applications for a PhD position at the LIACS computing and security cluster. The project focuses on responsible AI and trustworthy methods that resist manipulation, with supervision by LIACS researchers and international partners.

You will conduct original research, publish in top venues, and contribute to teaching as a (head) TA, culminating in a PhD thesis. Hybrid work and strong English proficiency are expected.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in CS/AI/DS or related quantitative field.
• Solid background in ML; NLP/LLMs or network analysis is a plus.
• Strong Python programming and experience with real-world data.
• Fluent in English; Dutch courses may be subsidized.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research on responsible AI 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.
• Write a PhD thesis detailing research outcomes.

Skills

Machine learning

NLP / LLMs

Python

PyTorch

Teamwork

English proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science / AI / Data Science

Tools

Python

PyTorch

Job 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.

You will be part of the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). LIACS offers the bachelor's programs in Computer Science and Data Science/Artificial Intelligence, as well as master's programs in Computer Science, ICT in Business and the Public Sector, Media Technology, and Science Based Business. According to an independent research assessment, LIACS is one of the leading computer science departments in the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a supportive institute where academic achievement, enjoyment, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and welcoming career path for young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, visit our website: https://www.cs.leiden.edu.

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].