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 ( ). 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 . Job description automatically summarized using AI