PhD Student in Agent-Based Simulation of Social Behaviour

Join an EU-funded MSCA network at Stockholm University to model citizen behaviour during pandemic crises.

Best for:Best for candidates with a Master's degree in computer science, social sciences, or related fields and a strong background in agent-based modeling or complex systems.

Stockholm University · Stockholm, Sweden · R1 · First-stage researcher

More professors at Stockholm University

agent-based modelingsocial simulationpandemic crisis preparednessepidemiological modelingcomplex systems

Deadline

Oct 15, 2026

0 days

Funding

Salaried

Fixed salary according to Stockholm University regulations

Start date

2027-02-01

Full-time

Location

Stockholm

Sweden

Overview

Stockholm University’s Department of Computer and Systems Sciences invites applications for a 4-year PhD fellowship focused on agent-based simulation of social behaviour within the EU Horizon Europe Marie Skodowska-Curie Action network 'SoCRISP'. The successful candidate will combine social science theories and epidemiological models to create realistic simulations that assist policymakers in crisis preparedness. The work involves interdisciplinary research, international consortium meetings, and two 1-month international internships. The candidate is expected to complete doctoral studies, publish research, and participate in departmental activities.

PhDagent-based simulationsocial behaviourcrisis preparednessMSCA Doctoral NetworkStockholm Universityepidemiology

What you'll do

Develop holistic and realistic agent-based simulation models combining social science concepts and epidemiological models
Investigate citizen behavior during pandemic crises to support policymaking
Collaborate with academic and non-academic partners across the SoCRISP consortium
Complete two 1-month research internships in Sweden and Austria
Participate in network-wide PhD courses, consortium meetings, and scientific exchanges
Contribute to departmental education, research, and administration up to a maximum of 20%

Requirements

Degree required: Master's degree (second-cycle degree) or equivalent of at least 240 higher education credits, including 60 credits in the second cycle

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English; CEFR Level B2 or equivalent

Instruction: English

Required skills

Completed second-cycle courses encompassing at least 60 higher education credits in a relevant subject such as computer and systems sciences, humanities, behavioral science, or psychology
Completed a degree thesis of at least 15 higher education credits
Demonstrated ability in independent scientific analysis and problem formulation
Strong communication and cooperation skills for interdisciplinary teamwork

Nice to have

Track record in social simulation modeling related to human behaviour, epidemiological modelling, or crisis preparednessInterdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research trainingMethodological toolkit in behavioural and social sciences, including qualitative and quantitative data handlingDomain knowledge of human behaviour under crisis conditionsExperience communicating research results to stakeholders outside academia

Eligibility

Must not be in possession of a doctoral degree on the first day of employment
Must not have resided or carried out main activity in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to employment (MSCA mobility rule)
Must meet the general and specific entry requirements for postgraduate education at Stockholm University

Funding & terms

Type

Salaried

Amount

Fixed salary according to Stockholm University regulations

Duration

4 years

Programme

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network

EU-FUNDEDEuropean Union / Stockholm University

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-10-15

Submit your application through Stockholm University's online recruitment system. Ensure all required documents, including your CV and personal letter, are attached and submitted before the deadline.

Documents required