The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) - Postdoc in Social Dynamics and Complex Systems - DTU Compute

Are you interested in uncovering the mechanisms underlying human social dynamics between dyads, groups, and networks, during real-time social interaction? We invite applications for an appointment as a postdoc in social dynamics and complex systems. The position is funded by the Villum Young Investigator grant titled “Bridging social neuroscience and social data science: uncovering interaction and brain mechanisms in social networks”.

The position is available for a period of 13 months, starting as soon as possible or from 1 August 2025.

You will primarily be involved in working within the social interaction and neuroscience (SINe Lab) group, with the aim of understanding how we coordinate our movement signals with others during social interactions, and these real-time interpersonal dynamics are shaped by the properties of our social networks.

You will be based within the Section for Cognitive Systems, which is a lively and research oriented group of scientists and support staff with a broad interest in information processing in humans and computers, and a particular focus on the signals they exchange, and the opportunities these signals offer for modelling and engineering of cognitive systems.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 13 months. Starting date is as soon as possible or 1 August 2025. The position is a full time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Ivana Konvalinka (ivako@dtu.dk), https://sinelab.org.   

You can read more about DTU Compute at www.compute.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 28 May 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Compute
DTU Compute – Department of Mathematics and Computer Science – is an internationally recognised academic environment with over 400 employees and 10 research sections. We broadly cover digital technologies within mathematics, data science, computer science, and computer engineering, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, internet of things (IoT), chip design, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, social networks, fairness, and data ethics. Our research is rooted in basic research and centres on mathematical models of the physical and virtual world, as a basis for the analysis, design, and implementation of complex systems. We focus on ensuring that our research results contribute to creating a better society by supporting areas such as health, green transition, energy supply, and life science. We collaborate with universities, public and private organisations, and companies in Denmark and abroad, and through DTU’s startup ecosystem, we encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. We have a strong ethical, human, and sustainable approach that ensures integrity in our work. Therefore, we strive for and take responsibility for driving the democratisation of digital technologies, so that everyone has the opportunity to actively participate in the development, and we ensure a continued open, democratic, and inclusive society for the benefit of all. At DTU Compute, we value diversity, inclusion, and a flexible work-life balance. Read more about us at www.compute.dtu.dk. 

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will be responsible for mathematical modelling of dyadic and group interaction data (e.g., using coupled oscillator models), working with movement, neurophysiological (EEG), and physiological (e.g., ECG) signals, within and between people, in order to understand mechanisms of self-other integration and segregation; and disseminating the results at international conferences and by publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). We are looking for a candidate with a background in physics (complex systems), applied mathematics, or similar.  

The successful candidate should possess: 

• excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, which are required to work with others, in a friendly and interdisciplinary environment
• research experience working with real-world non-linear dynamic data, networks, and ideally with applying coupled oscillator models
• strong programming skills in e.g., Python
• previous research experience working with EEG data is desired but not required