PhD position for Social Networks and Digital Cultural Consumption

We are an interdisciplinary lab studying social and behavioral phenomena using network concepts. Members of the lab actively develop theories, methods and software in a variety of domains, for our own empirical studies and for our collaborative endeavors across multiple discplines. The group of Prof. Christoph Stadtfeld is looking for a motivated PhD candidate interested in combining social network research with analysis of digital trace data in the domain of music tastes and cultural consumption.

Sociologists have long been interested in how society affects individuals’ cultural tastes. Today, it is possible to measure cultural consumption (e.g., which songs individuals listen to throughout their days) on a fine-grained level using data from online platforms and methods brought forward by the emerging discipline of computational social science. This project explores two key questions in cultural sociology with a contemporary and computational lens. First, it examines how individuals develop and maintain their cultural preferences on digital platforms and the impact of recommender algorithms on these preferences (alongside their societal implications such as data privacy and ownership, algorithm fairness, etc.). Second, it aims to bring in methodological innovations needed to combine digital data (i.e., behavioral traces on various platforms) with traditional surveys and model the longitudinal dynamics of cultural tastes and social networks from these sources.

During this project, you will be at the forefront of social network research, both independently and as a member of our research team. Your responsibilities may encompass:

• Revisiting and further developing theories from the field of cultural sociology.
• Being involved in conceptualizing and designing innovative data collection strategies and behavioral experiments.
• Developing new statistical methods for analyzing digital data with network concepts (with the potential to collaborate with other team members).
• Engaging in interdisciplinary dialogues (e.g., computer science, information science, political science, sociology, etc.) to enhance our knowledge on how digital systems shape and mediate individual preferences and their societal implications.
• Presenting research progress at related conferences to an international, multidisciplinary audience.

Successful candidates should have the following qualifications:

• An excellent Master’s degree in social, computational, statistical, or behavioral sciences (e.g., sociology, applied math, economics, statistics, social data science, political science, psychology).
• Prior work such as a Master thesis that demonstrates a strong interest in quantitative social network research.
• Demonstrated experience in research design and project implementation (e.g., obervational data collection, experiment design and implementation, etc.), ideally in the domain of social networks and/or computational social sciences.
• Solid quantitative analysis and data management skills, including experience in or willingness to learn R or Python.
• Strong skills in scientific writing.
• Ability and willingness to work productively in an interdisciplinary, international team.

The PhD project may start on October 1 2024 or on a mutually agreed upon date thereafter.

We offer an inspiring research environment at one of the world’s top universities, close collaboration in a small research lab that is part of a leading international network of social networks researchers, advanced training in modern social networks research, generous research funding and a competitive salary. Tuition fees do not apply.

We cultivate a collegial and supportive work environment. Weekly group meetings and regular presentations provide a forum to share problems and challenges, half-baked ideas, work in progress, and obtain peer feedback. We have regular team activities, including reading group meetings, writing retreats, and day trips, to foster collaboration, team bonding, and enrich our research experience.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Please submit the following application documents using the ETH online portal:

A single merged PDF document, titled with your last name and initial (e.g., SmithJM_application), containing, in the following order:

• A short motivation statement (max 1 page, single-spaced) describing (1) the most important specific examples of how your prior academic journey has made you an ideal fit for this project and how your PhD work might contribute to your future goals; (2) one aspect in which you feel less prepared and how you might deal with this in the course of the PhD.
• A short research statement (max 1 page, single-spaced) describing (1) a research project that you are interested in pursuing and how it fits within the scope of the project background; (2) how the proposed project could benefit from previous or ongoing research conducted in the lab (see some projects and publications ).
• Academic CV.
• Transcripts of graduate/master-level course work.
• Names and contact information of two references who could speak about your qualifications for this position and your relationship to them (no letters).

We will start reviewing applications on August 23, 2024, until the position is filled. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about Social Networks Lab can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position could be directed to Dr. Xinwei Xu ( Write an email ) (no applications).

Apply online now

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

In your application, please refer to myScience.ch and referenceJobID64995.