W3 Professorship Computational Social Science

W3 Professorship in Computational Social Science (m/f/x)

Saarland University is a campus university with a strong international focus and a distinctive research profile characterized by its four core research hubs: Computer Science and Informatics, BioMed, Europe, and Sustainability. The university offers an ideal environment for research, teaching, and innovation, supported by internationally respected research institutes and dedicated start-up assistance.

The Faculty of Human and Business Sciences invites applications for a W3 Professorship in Computational Social Science to commence in June 2027.

Research Focus

This professorial appointment is open regarding the candidate’s specific research focus within computational social science. The successful candidate will define their own research agenda, demonstrating excellence in the field while:

• Addressing current societal questions.
• Utilizing novel digital data sources.
• Establishing clear links with computer science.

The professorship forms the computational social science core of the SOUNDS project, a research initiative funded by the Saarland state government’s Transformation Fund. SOUNDS investigates societally relevant questions using:

• Digital behavioral traces.
• Social media data.
• AI-based methods.

The role combines social-science theory with:

• Network analysis.
• Automated text analysis.
• Large-scale digital behavioral data studies.
• Mobile sensing.
• AI-based modeling.

Key research areas include:

• Collective opinion formation.
• Social cohesion and polarization.
• The role of digital platforms in public communication.

The position involves collaboration with social sciences and computer science, contributing to joint questions, methods, and publications.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Develop and lead externally funded research, including principal investigator roles in coordinated initiatives such as Collaborative Research Centres.
• Teach computational and methodological courses, including:
  • Analysis of digital behavioral data.
  • Automated text analysis.
  • Network analysis.
• Contribute to degree programs in social sciences, computer science, data science, and psychology.
• Supervise student theses and mentor early-career researchers.

Qualifications

We seek a researcher with:

• Excellent international standing in computational social science.
• A strong record of working with novel digital data sources on societally relevant questions.
• Expertise in computational methods, including:
  • Network analysis.
  • Automated text analysis.
  • Large-scale digital behavioral data analysis.
  • AI-based modeling.
• Openness to formal affiliation with the Department of Computer Science.
• An established international research network.
• An excellent publication record in high-impact outlets.
• A proven track record of third-party funding, including secured grants and submitted applications.
• Willingness to take on principal investigator roles in coordinated funding initiatives.

Teaching Requirements

• Willingness to teach in English.
• Willingness to teach in German in the medium term.

Internationalization & Diversity

Saarland University views internationalization as a key priority and expects professorial staff to promote it across all university activities. Special support is available for projects expanding collaboration within:

• The European University Alliance Transform4Europe (www.transform4europe.eu).
• The University of the Greater Region (www.uni-gr.eu).

In line with its gender equality plan, Saarland University actively seeks to increase the proportion of women in this field and strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Preferential consideration will be given to disabled candidates of equal eligibility.

Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome, irrespective of nationality, ethnic heritage, social background, religious beliefs, personal values, age, sexual orientation, or identity.

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