University of Groningen 
Groningen, Netherlands Offer Summary
The University of Groningen seeks a Postdoc to study social dynamics in the energy transition using computational modelling. Based in the Department of Sociology, this three-year fixed-term role focuses on agent-based opinion dynamics models linked to empirical data on local renewable energy debates. The position is part of the ECHO project, funded by DFG and NWO, requiring close collaboration with the University of Oldenburg to integrate LLM-based agent models. Candidates must hold a PhD in sociology or related field, with expertise in computational sociology, agent-based modelling, and social network research. Responsibilities include developing ABM tools, comparing modelling approaches, and contributing to empirical testing and teaching duties. The salary ranges from €3,706 to €4,599 gross per month for a full-time contract, including benefits such as holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus.
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Project Description
Postdoc Understanding Social Dynamics in the Energy Transition via computational modelling with Agent Networks
Post-doc Researcher
Postdoc Understanding Social Dynamics in the Energy Transition via computational modelling with Agent Networks
This vacancy is only available in English
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with demonstrable skills and experience in studying social aspects of the energy transition with computational modelling methods. The postdoc project is conducted in the framework of the project ECHO (Energy transition, Collective dynamics and Human Opinions in agent-networks), financed by both DFGand NWO. This project requires close collaboration between the project team at the Department of Sociology at RUG (PI prof. dr. Andreas Flache) and the project team at the Institute of Energy Informatics at the University of Oldenburg (PI prof. dr. Sebastian Lehnhoff).
Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences Apply no later than: 20 November 2026 23:59 Dutch local time 1 FTE €3.706 - €4.599 Share this vacancy
Postdoc Understanding Social Dynamics in the Energy Transition via computational modelling with Agent Networks
Postdoc understanding social dynamics in the energy transition via computational modelling with agent networks 2590
What are you going to do?
The overall project focuses on modelling the dynamics of societal debates about the energy transition with two interconnected approaches, agent-based opinion dynamics models and agent-models based on LLM-agents. The part of the project conducted at RUG under the lead of prof. dr. Andreas Flache will focus in particular on the ABM / opinion dynamics aspect, linking models to empirical data on social networks in communities facing debates about local renewable energy initiatives. Comparison and, where possible, integration of the two modelling approaches is a core part of the project, requiring close collaboration with the German partner.
The postdoc develops existing opinion dynamics ABM further to make them applicable to empirical settings relevant to societal debates about the energy transition, using simulation tools like NetLogo or Python. Further, in close collaboration with the entire project team, the postdoc will contribute to comparison and alignment of the opinion dynamics models with LLM-based agent models developed by the German project partner. Finally, the postdoc will contribute to empirical testing of hypotheses derived from the computational modelling approaches, using relevant empirical social network data or, depending on interest, skills and availability, behavioral experiments or online data.
Who are you?
We are looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:
- A PhD degree in sociology (or a related discipline), preferably with a dissertation topic related to computational sociology.
- A relevant publication record related to the project topic, demonstrating your ability to publish in peer-reviewed international academic journals.
- Demonstrable skills and experience in computational sociology, especially agent-based computational modelling.
- Interest in and knowledge of research addressing social aspects of the energy transition, especially literature on social influence processes in this domain.
- Demonstrable skills in related empirical research, especially social network research and / or behavioral experiments or use of digital trace data.
- A clear interest in collaborative interdisciplinary research.
- Excellent command of the English language; command of German and Dutch is desirable.
- Ability to work independently and manage joint research activities.
- A team player with strong communication skills.
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.706 (salary scale 10) up to a maximum of € 4.599 (salary scale 10.5) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- A fixed-term contract of 1.0 FTE for the duration of 3 years.
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.
The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences (GMW) excels in research and teaching in the areas of behaviour, thinking, learning, and participation in society. More than 4,500 students and approximately 650 staff address social questions and challenges that people experience in daily life. Our core focus is on individual and societal resilience and how to strengthen it. We focus on current themes such as health and wellbeing, sustainable living, learning and development, inclusive society, safe and healthy upbringing, and work and collaboration. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, visit rug.nl/gmw.
The successful candidate will be embedded in the Department of Sociology at RUG and the national-level interuniversity research and training center ICS (Interuniversity Center of Social Science Theory and Methodology), a leading PhD training and research center in Dutch Sociology with ample opportunities for exchange and presentation of interim results at the research group, department and interuniversity level. Locally, the postdoc will be part of and contribute to the activities of the research cluster “Norms and Networks” at the Department of Sociology, led by Prof. Andreas Flache. In the DFG-NWO weave project, the postdoc will collaborate with the project team, including the PI’s, Prof. Jacob Dijkstra at Sociology RUG, a PhD candidate located at the University of Oldenburg and research assistants.
The postdoc will also contribute to the teaching program of the department (about 10% work time) in accordance with NWO requirements and faculty policies.
Application procedure
Step 1:
Your application
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
Step 2:
Selection
The selection committee assesses your application and you will be notified as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.
Step 3:
First interview
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
Step 4:
Second interview and possible assessment or guest lecture
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
Step 5:
Terms of employment meeting
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.
Please add the following documents to your application:
- CV.
- Cover letter.
- A recent lead-authored publication or working paper related to topic of the projectx.
The selection interviews will take place November 30, 2027 (afternoon). Depending on outcomes of the first round of interviews, there may not be a second round.
Do you have any questions or need more information?
- Questions about the content of the job?Andreas FlacheFull ProfessorA.Flache@rug.nl
- Questions about your application process?Anita van der HoekManagement/Office-assistantA.van.der.Hoek@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.
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