About the Program
The Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in France invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Computational Social Sciences, focused on exploring how individual cognitive biases lead to collective drifts on online social networks. The successful candidate will join the Institut des Systèmes Complexes de Paris Île-de-France (ISC-PIF) and conduct research under the supervision of Dr David Chavalarias (HDR). Hosted within the EHESS Doctoral School “Sciences de la Société”, the project is part of the COBCOD ANR project (2025–2029). It investigates how online platforms influence opinion formation and social identity through algorithmic and behavioural biases. This interdisciplinary PhD combines computational modelling, social science theory, and large-scale data analysis to uncover mechanisms behind online polarisation and social dynamics.
Program Details
- Position: Fully funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: CNRS – Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
- Department/Faculty: Institut des Systèmes Complexes de Paris Île-de-France (ISC-PIF)
- Supervisor: Dr David Chavalarias (HDR)
- Location: Paris, France
- Start Date (Anticipated): December 2025
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Funding: Fully funded (COBCOD ANR Project)
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Political Science, Sociology, History of Science, or related disciplines.
Research Focus/Area
- Computational social sciences
- Social network analysis
- Cognitive biases and collective opinion formation
- Data mining and modelling of online behaviour
- Complex systems and agent-based simulations
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in a relevant social science or interdisciplinary field
- Basic proficiency in French
- Strong analytical and data-handling skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Python, R, or data analysis tools
- Familiarity with agent-based modelling (ABM, G-ABM)
- Interest in online social dynamics and opinion research
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
Key Features of the Program
- Multidisciplinary collaboration with CNRS, CYU, and EHESS
- Access to advanced databases like Politoscope and Climatoscope
- Opportunity to analyse large-scale social media datasets (Twitter)
- State-of-the-art computational resources at ISC-PIF
- International research exposure and conference support
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit your application through the CNRS recruitment portal. Attach all required documents as a single PDF file.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal or statement of interest
- Contact details of academic referees
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 29 October 2025
- Deadline: 18 November 2025 (23:59 UTC)
- Start Date: 1 December 2025
Where to Apply
- University Website: CNRS – Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
- Official Notification: emploi.cnrs.fr – PhD Offer
- Application Portal: Apply via CNRS Portal
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