Teaser Text

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

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.

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.

Want to apply or find out more?

Information

Enquiries can be made to Dr. Valerio La Gatta, who will be the daily supervisor for this position, email: v.la.gatta@liacs.leidenuniv.nl. If you have If you have any questions about the application, please sent an email to: jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.

Applications

To apply for this position, please submit your application online via the blue button in the vacancy on the university website. Please ensure that you attach the following additional 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.

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.