W3 Professorship Computational Social Science

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 .

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.

• 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 .

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.

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

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 (
• The University of the Greater Region (

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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