PostDoc Researcher at UNU-MERIT in Computational Social Science: AI Research and Innovation

UNU-MERIT is looking for a Research Fellow in computational social science to work on an international project studying the role of AI research and innovation in addressing social challenges. With options to extend the position to related research projects. 

Job description

The Research Fellow will contribute to:

1. Identifying topics in AI research (publications) and inventions (patents);
2. Estimating the relevance of AI technologies for varying national and subnational challenges.

iii) Estimating the potential adoption of AI technologies in agriculture under varying subnational conditions.

The Research Fellow will combine BERT type models and Large Language Model (LLM) to examine research publications and patents, in combination with other unstructured data sources such as policy documents, media, call transcripts, and online job vacancies. 

The project is primarily funded by the UKRI Metascience unit. The Research Fellow will work in collaboration with a team of top innovation scholars, economists, data scientists, Research Fellows and PhDs in a vibrant research environment at UNU-MERIT and at partner organizations – UCL (Jack Stilgoe), CWTS at Leiden (Rodrigo Costas), Ingenio at CSIC-UPV (Ismael Rafols), and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies at Warwick (Noortje Marres). There are opportunities to extend the position up to 18 months on related projects estimating the impact of digital and green technologies on labor markets (within the ST4TE Horizon project), and the impact of innovation capabilities on industrial dynamics. 

Funding will be available to recruit a Research Assistant to support data collection and analysis, participate in projects research meetings and workshops, as well presenting results at relevant external conferences. As part of both the UKRI Metascience project and ST4TE, the Research Fellow will have access to a broad range of data sources.

The research will lead to publications in top journals led by the Research Fellow.

The position allows for flexible part-time work arrangements. 

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Economics, Innovation Studies, Scientometrics, Data Science, or related quantitative social sciences. They will have curiosity to explore and combine new unstructured data and methods, and wiliness to work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative, and stimulating large team and project. They may have a background on the analysis of science corpora, and other unstructured data, and a background on economics of science and innovation theories. Ability to think about new ways of combining data to explore the dynamics of technologies is welcome. 

Detailed required skills and experience

• A PhD (or near to completion) in Economics, Innovation Studies, Scientometrics, Data Science, Computational Social Sciences, or related quantitative social sciences
• Strong quantitative skills and experience with scientometric methods, machine learning for text analysis, and possibly LLMs.
• Experience with the analysis of science and technology data (patents and publications), and or other textual data
• Knowledge of, or strong interest in AI, digital technologies, and their applications
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, R) and data analysis
• Ability to explore new unstructured data and methods
• Strong attention to detail with good organization skills; ability to manage multiple, concurrent tasks
• Evidence of engagement in high-quality research activity; excellent presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, colleagues and external audiences
• Ability to work individually on own initiative and without close supervision, and as part of a team
• Ability to exercise a degree of innovation and creative problem-solving; excellent organizational and administrative skills; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines 

What we offer

As PostDoc Researcher at UNU-MERIT in computational social science: AI research and innovation at School of Business and Economics, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 10 according to UFO profile Researcher, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3378,00 and €5331,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 0,5 - 1,0 FTE, with possibility to extend to up to 18 months.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'. 

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here. 

Maastricht University

Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research. 

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers. 

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community. 

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together. 

Click here for more information about UM. 

The School of Business and Economics

The School of Business and Economics (SBE) is one of Maastricht University’s six faculties. Our mission is to contribute to a better world by addressing societal problems, by co-creating knowledge and developing team players and leaders for the future. 

By joining SBE, you will be part of the 1% of business schools worldwide to be Triple Crown accredited (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA). You will join an inspiring and international environment, where learning and development is priority. 

Department

UNU-MERIT is a research and training institute of the United Nations University (UNU) and Maastricht University. UNU-MERIT ranks among the top ten research groups working in the field of innovation. Our research contributes to academic and policy debates on the economics of innovation and technology, development and public policy, providing a bridge between academic and policy communities by addressing real-world problems through societally relevant research grounded in academic excellence. 

Curious?

Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Tommaso Ciarli at ciarli@merit.unu.edu for more information. Do you have any questions regarding the procedure, please contact Laura Daniels at laura.daniels@maastrichtuniversity.nl. 

Applying?

Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PostDoc? Apply now, no later than August 18^th 2025, for this position. 

Please upload your CV, motivation letter and your most relevant piece of work (e.g. Job Market Paper, Academic Publication, Working Paper, or PhD Chapter). 

The first interviews preferably take place in the week of the September 8. If needed, the second interviews will be held shortly after. 

A reference check will be part of the application procedure. Please indicate in your CV or letter of motivation the name and contact of two referees. They will not be contacted before shortlisting. 

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized. 

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.