PhD in Responsible AI for Online Safety (1.0 FTE)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance

End-of-year bonus

Pension (ABP)

Public transport reimbursement

Hybrid working

Home-working allowance

Laptop provided

Job summary

Leiden University in the Netherlands invites applications for a research-focused position within LIACS. The role requires a Master’s in CS/AI/DS or related field, with a solid ML background and programming skills in Python and PyTorch.

Familiarity with NLP/LLMs or network analysis is a plus, as is a track record of research or publications. The ideal candidate is motivated by societal impacts of AI and capable of interdisciplinary collaboration across computer science and social sciences.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in CS/AI/DS or related quantitative field.
• Solid background in machine learning.
• Familiarity with NLP, LLMs, or network analysis is advantageous.
• Proficient in Python and DL frameworks such as PyTorch with real-world data.
• Interest in societal impact of AI and interdisciplinary CS and social sciences.
• Research experience such as a thesis or publications is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and in teams; clear written and oral communication.
• Proficient in English; Dutch not required, but optional courses exist.

Skills

Machine learning

Python

PyTorch

NLP

LLMs

Network analysis

Research experience

Publications

Team communication

Education

Master’s degree in CS/AI/DS or related field

Job description

Required Qualifications and Experience

• 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)

Employment Contract and Benefits

• 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

Application Documents

• Cover letter (1–2 pages) explaining your motivation for this position, how your background fits the project, and which research directions within the project interest you most
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• MSc (or equivalent) degree (or expected graduation date)
• Transcripts of records for both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• If available, one example of your scientific writing (e.g., master’s thesis or a draft of it, a scientific publication)
• If available, links to code repositories (e.g., GitHub) or other software projects you have developed
• Names and contact details of up two references (e.g., your thesis supervisor or other academic collaborators). References will only be contacted for shortlisted candidates