PhD Position in Causal Agent-based Modelling of Complex Social Systems

This PhD position is an exciting opportunity to advance research at the intersection of agent-based and causal modelling! Tackle real-world challenges like infectious disease control and social dynamics. Develop innovative methodologies, publish in top journals, and present at leading AI conferences. Join a vibrant academic community with opportunities for professional growth and teaching experience.

Your job

In many scientific domains, a primary objective of scientific modelling is not only to represent or describe phenomena but also to inform researchers and policymakers about how best to intervene or change the system under consideration. This is crucial for societal challenges, such as using infectious disease models to curb outbreaks or opinion dynamics models to prevent polarisation and harmful beliefs.

This project will explore the synergy and potential relations between two common approaches in studying complex systems: agent-based modelling and causal modelling. The project aims at developing a computational methodology that integrates various types of causation to design/build agent-based models capable of establishing reliable causal claims about multi-level social phenomena, such as social systems of infectious diseases. This includes examining the causal effect of interventions and analysing probabilistic and counterfactual claims.

As a PhD candidate, your main focus will be conducting research aligned with the project’s objectives, leading to a successful dissertation. You will also contribute to the academic community by publishing scholarly articles and presenting your work at international AI conferences.

This position provides excellent opportunities for professional growth. The position is funded under the Complex Systems Fund (CSF) terms, meaning that you will take part in the activities of the Centre for Complex Systems Studies 

, as well as attend international summer schools and workshops to enhance your research expertise and expand your network. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to contribute to teaching and supervise AI-related thesis projects at both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels (10-15% of your time).

Your qualities

• A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field;
• a solid foundation in computational modelling;
• prior experience with, or strong knowledge of, causal modelling and/or agent-based modelling;
• familiarity with complex systems studies is a plus;
• a strong interest in the research topic and a collaborative mindset, with a willingness to engage with peers at the Centre for Complex Systems Studies.

Our offer

• A position for 18 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment in the first 18 months;
• a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment 

laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development 

, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities 

, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University 

.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University 

, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes 

. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow 

.

Working at the Faculty of Science 

means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty 

has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we 

work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn 

and discover how you can become part of our community.

The Department of Information and Computing Sciences 

(ICS) is nationally and internationally known for its research in computer science and information science. The department provides and contributes to the Bachelor’s programmes in Computer Science, Information Science, and Artificial Intelligence and a number of research Master’s programmes in these fields. It employs over 200 people, working in four divisions: Algorithms, AI & Data Science, Software and Interaction. The atmosphere is collegial and informal.

This PhD project is partially funded by the Complex Systems Fund (CSF), supported by the Center for Complex Systems Studies (CCSS),and represents a collaborative effort between the Intelligent Systems Lab at Utrecht University, the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, and the Department of Data Science and Biostatistics at the Julius Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht. As a PhD candidate, you will be based within the Intelligent Systems group at Utrecht University and the Centre for Complex Systems Studies. Your supervision team will include Professor Mehdi Dastani (promotor), Dr Els Weinans (co-supervisor), and Dr Oisín Ryan (co-supervisor).

The Intelligent Systems research group focuses on both fundamental and applied research in Artificial Intelligence, particularly in intelligent agents and multi-agent systems. The position offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration—both within the Centre for Complex Systems Studies and across departments, including partnerships with researchers in Geosciences and the University Medical Centre Utrecht.

More information

For more information, please contact Mehdi Dastani 

at m.m.dastani@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home 

for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the ‘apply now’ button. Please enclose:

• your motivation letter;
• your curriculum vitae;
• the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two referees.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.

Some connections are fundamental – Be one of them 

#FundamentalConnection

The application deadline is 16 June 2025.