Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Social Science: AI Research & Innovation

Location: Maastricht, Netherlands
Institution: Maastricht University – UNU-MERIT
Salary: €3,378 to €5,331 gross/month (based on full-time employment)
Job Type: Full-time or Part-time (0.5 – 1.0 FTE)
Contract: 12 months, with possible extension up to 18 months
Application Deadline: August 18, 2025
Start Date: Flexible
Contact: Dr. Tommaso Ciarli – ciarli@merit.unu.edu

Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Social Science: AI Research & Innovation

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📘 Job Summary

UNU-MERIT, a United Nations University institute at Maastricht University, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Social Science, specializing in AI research and innovation. This position is part of a major international project funded by UKRI Metascience, investigating the role of artificial intelligence in solving complex social challenges.

The project involves text analysis using machine learning (ML), BERT-type models, and large language models (LLMs) to examine how AI-related research, patents, and policies align with societal needs such as climate change, agriculture, and economic development.

You will be part of an interdisciplinary team of top scholars from institutions including UCL, Leiden University (CWTS), CSIC-UPV (Ingenio), and the University of Warwick, and collaborate on related EU-funded research projects.

🧩 Key Responsibilities

As a Postdoc Researcher, you will:

• Analyze large datasets of publications and patents using natural language processing (NLP), including BERT and LLMs

• Map trends in AI-related innovation and assess their relevance for national and subnational challenges

• Estimate AI adoption potential in specific sectors such as agriculture, using diverse regional data

• Integrate unstructured sources (e.g., policy documents, media articles, job listings, parliamentary debates) to assess AI innovation ecosystems

• Contribute to high-impact publications and presentations at international conferences

• Participate in collaborative research meetings across Europe

• Supervise a Research Assistant (funded through the project) to assist with data collection and preprocessing

• Potentially contribute to other projects, such as:

  • ST4TE (Horizon Europe) – examining the impact of green and digital technologies on labor markets

  • Studies on innovation capabilities and industrial dynamics

🎓 Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• A PhD (or nearing completion) in one of the following fields:

  • Economics

  • Innovation Studies

  • Scientometrics

  • Data Science

  • Computational Social Sciences

  • Other relevant quantitative social science disciplines

• Strong quantitative skills, especially:

  • Machine learning and text mining

  • NLP using BERT/LLMs

  • Scientometric analysis of patents and publications

• Proven ability to work with large-scale unstructured datasets

• High proficiency in Python or R

• Familiarity with AI, digital technologies, and their social applications

• Interest in interdisciplinary research and policy impact

• Experience publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals

• Strong writing and presentation skills in English

• Independence and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

🌱 What We Offer

Joining UNU-MERIT and Maastricht University means being part of a vibrant international academic community. Here’s what you’ll receive:

• Competitive salary: €3,378–€5,331/month gross (depending on experience and FTE)

• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus

• 12-month employment contract, with the possibility of extension to 18 months

• Part-time or full-time options available (0.5 – 1.0 FTE)

• Flexible working conditions, including remote work and flexible hours

• Commuting and internet allowances

• Generous annual leave:

  • 29 vacation days (full-time)

  • 4 additional public holidays (Carnival Monday & Tuesday, Good Friday, Liberation Day)

  • Up to 12 extra days through compensation hours

• Excellent pension scheme (ABP)

• Access to sports facilities, fitness programs, and well-being resources

• A wide range of training programs for personal and professional development

• A strong institutional focus on diversity, inclusion, and academic appreciation

🌍 About Maastricht University & UNU-MERIT

Maastricht University (UM) is the most international university in the Netherlands, with over 22,000 students and 5,000 staff from more than 100 countries. It is known for its innovative education system, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), and its high-quality interdisciplinary research.

UNU-MERIT is a joint institute of Maastricht University and the United Nations University. It specializes in innovation, science policy, and technology development, bridging academic research and global policy through cutting-edge analysis.

The institute is among the top ten globally in innovation studies and is involved in multiple EU-funded, UN-led, and policy-driven research projects.

🤝 Collaborating Institutions

As part of this postdoc, you’ll collaborate with internationally renowned researchers, including:

• Jack Stilgoe – University College London (UCL)

• Rodrigo Costas – Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University (CWTS)

• Ismael Rafols – Ingenio at CSIC-UPV, Spain

• Noortje Marres – Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies, University of Warwick

These collaborations will give you exposure to multiple academic and policy-oriented research cultures.

🗓️ Important Dates

📬 How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply by August 18, 2025 via the Maastricht University portal. Include the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Motivation letter

• Best academic work (e.g., job market paper, published article, PhD chapter, or working paper)

• Names and contact details of two referees (references will only be contacted after shortlisting)

Apply online here: [Insert Application Link]

❓ Questions?

For academic-related inquiries, contact:
📩 Dr. Tommaso Ciarli – ciarli@merit.unu.edu

For HR or application process questions, contact:
📩 Laura Daniels – laura.daniels@maastrichtuniversity.nl

🎯 Diversity Statement

Maastricht University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive academic community. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from underrepresented groups in academia. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given priority.

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