Fully Funded PhD Position in Social Data Science at VU Amsterdam: Research the Online Manipulation Economy
Category
Scholarships
Posted
August 18, 2026
Apply via
workingat.vu.nl
VU Amsterdam is offering a fully funded, four-year PhD position in Social Data Science to investigate the market infrastructure behind disinformation, fake online engagement, bot networks, and other digital influence operations.
Links in this posting
- According to the official VU Amsterdam vacancy announcement, applications must be submitted no later than Monday, 14 September 2026 at 23:59.
- The project is supported by a Vidi grant awarded to Jon Roozenbeek. The wider research programme is intended to improve understanding of the black market that enables misleading information and political manipulation to spread online. More information about the grant and its research objectives is available through the official VU Amsterdam Vidi project announcement.
- The position may involve building and maintaining public resources similar to the Cambridge Online Trust and Safety Index.
- This training is intended to support the candidate’s development in research methods, academic writing, research integrity, open science and other skills required to complete the doctorate successfully. Additional information is available through the VU Amsterdam Graduate School doctoral information page.
- Applicants can review the university’s official guidance for international employees and PhD candidates and its information for international doctoral candidates.
- Applicants can review the university’s official guidance for international employees and PhD candidates and its information for international doctoral candidates.
- Submit the application through the official VU Amsterdam application portal.