PhD Position on Improving Social Media Using Large Language Models
PhD Position on Improving Social Media Using Large Language Models
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Job Description
The Institute for Logic Language and Computation (ILLC) at the University of Amsterdam is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in the NWO VIDI project Improving Social Media Using Large Language Models.
Join our research team!
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in computer science or a related field (e.g. artificial intelligence computational linguistics or data science). The ideal candidate has an interest in working at the intersection of large language models (LLMs) social media and politics and is eager to contribute to cutting-edge research with both theoretical and applied components.
What are you going to do
Social media platforms play a central role in shaping political discourse yet they also facilitate misinformation polarization radicalization and manipulation. Recent advances in LLMs offer new tools for understanding and potentially improving these platforms. This project explores how LLMs can be used to analyze simulate critique and even intervene in online political communicationfocusing on both the risks and the opportunities these technologies present.
The PhD candidate will havesubstantial freedom to shape their own project within this broader research theme supported by the PI and the collaborative environment of the ILLC.
Your profile
MSc degree (or equivalent) in computer science or a closely related field
Strong programming skills and experience with machine learning especially natural language processing
Familiarity with and interest in political communication social media analysis and computational social science
Excellent written and spoken English
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Please note that knowledge of the Dutch language is not required for these positions. However PhD candidates at the ILLC have the opportunity to attend Dutch language classes if they wish.
Our offer
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is is flexible but should be before January 2026. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.
The gross monthly salary based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience ranges between 3059 to 3881 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 83% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD Candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement the 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
a complete educational program for PhD students;
multiple courses on topics such as time management handling stress and an online learning platform with 100 different courses;
7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
partly paid parental leave;
a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
help with housing for a studio or small apartment when youre moving from abroad.
In addition
A stimulating interdisciplinary environment with access to experts in AI language and the social sciences
Opportunities to present at top conferences and publish in high-impact venues
A vibrant and international research community in the heart of Amsterdam
Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits take a lookhere.
Where you will work
TheUniversity of Amsterdam is the Netherlands largest university offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA 30000 students 6000 staff members and 3000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields connected by a culture of curiosity.
TheFaculty of Science has a student body of around 8000 as well as 1800 members of staff working in education research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works be it elementary particles the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.
TheInstitute for Logic Language and Computation is home to a thriving community of scholars including philosophers logicians mathematicians computer scientists linguists musicologists and cognitive scientists who share a fascination with the interdisciplinary study of information. At the ILLC we combine the problem solving skills from the sciences with the holistic and reflective view of the humanities to discover the principles that regulate information processing and find answers to some of the hardest challenges of our time.
If you feel the profile fits you and you are interested in the job we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 06 September 2025.
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted inone single pdf file):
CV (max 2 pages)
Motivation letter (max 1 page)
An one-page research proposal outlining a possible focus for your PhD project within the theme. It does not need to be fully developed but should demonstrate your ability to formulate an interesting and feasible research direction including for instance clear research question or set of questions a theoretical background and expectations and a research strategy.
Academic transcripts.
Names and contact information of two academic referees
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details:national knowledge security guidelines).Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be interviews will be held in the course of September 2026.
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information Please contact:
dr. Petter Trnberg ()
Employment Type
Full Time
