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PhD position on Depolarizing Climate Online Discourse with Argumentative Language Models - Job Opportunity at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

Groningen, Netherlands
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: August 6, 2025
On-site
EUR 3,059 to 3,881 per month

Benefits

Comprehensive academic compensation package including 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus, providing additional 16.3% on top of base salary which exceeds standard European academic benefits
Participation in Dutch university pension scheme offering long-term financial security with employer contributions that are among the most generous in European higher education
Four-year fully funded research position providing exceptional job security and career development opportunities rare in academic positions
Favorable tax agreements for international candidates potentially reducing tax burden by up to 30% through Dutch expatriate tax policies
Career services support for partners of new faculty members, demonstrating institutional commitment to work-life balance and family integration
Access to leading Computational Linguistics research group with established international networks and collaboration opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Lead independent research on climate misinformation and AI-based correction systems, positioning yourself at the forefront of combating one of the most critical challenges in modern digital communication
Develop innovative computational tools integrating Large Language Models, Argumentation Theory, and Social Network Analysis to create breakthrough solutions for misinformation detection and correction
Publish findings in top-tier NLP conferences and peer-reviewed journals, establishing yourself as a thought leader in the intersection of AI and climate communication
Contribute to teaching activities across undergraduate and graduate programs, developing pedagogical expertise that enhances career prospects in academia
Engage actively with interdisciplinary research teams spanning Computational Linguistics and Media Studies, building a diverse professional network
Complete PhD project within specified four-year timeframe while maintaining research quality standards expected at one of Europe's leading universities

Requirements

Education

Research Master's or Master's degree in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Linguistics, Computer Science

Experience

Experience with large language models (LLMs) and state of the art methods in NLP

Required Skills

Excellent academic writing and oral skills in English Experience with large language models (LLMs) and state of art methods in NLP Demonstrable interest in misinformation countering or climate communication Willingness to acquire knowledge of Social Network Analysis methods and techniques Knowledge/experience in Argument Mining Familiarity with Python, PyTorch, Hugging face Transformers library Ability to work independently in a results-oriented manner Willingness to collaborate with interdisciplinary team
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The intersection of AI and climate communication represents one of the fastest-growing research areas, driven by increasing recognition that technological solutions are essential for addressing climate misinformation at scale. Major tech companies and research institutions are investing heavily in AI-powered fact-checking and content moderation systems, creating unprecedented demand for expertise in this domain. Large Language Models are revolutionizing computational linguistics research, with particular emphasis on their application to social good initiatives. The field is experiencing rapid expansion as organizations recognize the potential of LLMs to address complex societal challenges, leading to increased funding opportunities and career prospects. Climate misinformation research has gained significant momentum following increased awareness of its impact on public policy and behavior. Academic institutions, government agencies, and NGOs are establishing dedicated programs and funding streams, creating a robust job market for specialists in this area.

Salary Evaluation

The provided salary range of EUR 3,059 to 3,881 per month (approximately USD 39,000 to 49,500 annually) is competitive for European PhD positions and aligns with Dutch academic standards. When combined with the 16.3% additional benefits and potential tax advantages for international candidates, the total compensation package approaches USD 55,000-60,000 equivalent value, which is excellent for a PhD position in Europe.

Role Significance

The candidate will work within a small interdisciplinary research team of 3-5 core members, collaborating across the Computational Linguistics group and Media Studies departments. This structure provides optimal mentorship while allowing for significant individual contribution and recognition.
This PhD position represents an early-career research role with significant independence and leadership potential. The candidate will function as a project lead within their research domain, with responsibilities typically associated with mid-level research positions, including independent research direction, publication leadership, and teaching contributions.

Key Projects

Development of novel AI systems for automated misinformation detection and correction in climate-related social media content Creation of comprehensive datasets and evaluation frameworks for argumentative climate discourse analysis Implementation of large-scale social network analysis tools to understand misinformation propagation patterns Design of intervention strategies using AI-generated counter-arguments to reduce political polarization around climate issues

Success Factors

Ability to bridge technical AI/NLP expertise with deep understanding of climate communication challenges, requiring both computational skills and domain knowledge in environmental science and public policy Strong publication record in top-tier venues, as academic success in this field depends heavily on visibility in premier conferences like ACL, EMNLP, and specialized workshops on computational social science Collaborative skills to work effectively across disciplines, as the project's success depends on integration of insights from linguistics, computer science, media studies, and climate science Adaptability to rapidly evolving AI technologies, particularly in the LLM space where new models and techniques emerge constantly Independent research capabilities combined with project management skills to complete a complex four-year research program on schedule

Market Demand

High demand exists for professionals combining AI expertise with climate communication skills, as this represents a critical intersection of technological capability and societal need. The specialized nature of this role positions candidates for exclusive opportunities in both academic and industry settings.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Large Language Model expertise is absolutely essential as these models form the foundation of modern NLP applications and are central to the project's technical approach. Proficiency in LLMs distinguishes candidates in an increasingly competitive field and opens doors to high-value opportunities in both academia and industry. Python programming with PyTorch and Hugging Face frameworks represents the industry standard for AI research and development. These technical skills are non-negotiable for conducting cutting-edge research and ensure compatibility with collaborative research environments. Academic writing and communication skills in English are crucial for success in international research environments and publication in top-tier venues. Strong communication abilities also facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and increase impact of research findings.

Beneficial Skills

Social Network Analysis expertise enhances the candidate's ability to understand misinformation propagation patterns and develops valuable skills applicable to broader computational social science applications Domain knowledge in climate science or environmental policy provides context that enriches research quality and increases potential for real-world impact Experience with academic teaching and mentoring develops leadership skills and prepares candidates for academic career trajectories Understanding of European research funding landscape and grant writing capabilities accelerate career advancement in European academic contexts

Unique Aspects

This position uniquely combines cutting-edge AI research with critical climate communication challenges, positioning the candidate at the intersection of two of the most important contemporary issues
The interdisciplinary nature spanning computational linguistics, argumentation theory, and social network analysis provides rare breadth of expertise that is increasingly valuable in both academic and industry settings
Full funding for four years with guaranteed salary progression provides exceptional financial security compared to typical PhD programs
Integration with both Computational Linguistics and Media Studies groups offers diverse perspectives and networking opportunities uncommon in traditional single-department PhD programs
Focus on developing practical tools for misinformation correction addresses real-world impact while advancing theoretical knowledge

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 2-3 years post-PhD completion, with postdoctoral positions serving as stepping stones to permanent academic or senior industry roles. The specialized expertise developed in this position accelerates career advancement due to high demand and limited supply of qualified professionals.

Potential Next Roles

Postdoctoral researcher positions at leading universities focusing on AI for social good, computational social science, or climate communication Research scientist roles at major tech companies working on content moderation, fact-checking systems, or AI ethics teams Academic positions as Assistant Professor in Computational Linguistics, Digital Humanities, or interdisciplinary programs combining AI and climate studies Policy research roles at government agencies, think tanks, or international organizations focusing on digital governance and climate communication

Company Overview

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

The University of Groningen stands as one of Europe's most prestigious research institutions, founded in 1614 with a modern focus on international collaboration and innovation. The university consistently ranks among the top 100 global universities and maintains particularly strong programs in computational linguistics and digital humanities.

The university holds a leading position in European higher education and research, with the Computational Linguistics group recognized as one of the Netherlands' premier NLP research centers. The institution's research output and international partnerships place it at the forefront of academic innovation.
Located in the Netherlands' vibrant academic corridor, the university benefits from proximity to major European research networks and easy access to international collaborations. The Netherlands' position as a European tech hub provides excellent networking opportunities and potential industry partnerships.
The university emphasizes collaborative, international research with strong support for early-career researchers. The institutional commitment to diversity and inclusion, combined with comprehensive support services, creates an environment conducive to both professional development and personal well-being.
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