We’re seeking a postdoc on a project developing a network theory of attitudes that will help understand group dynamics/polarization in opinion dynamics on social media – particularly in relation to bot influence. This is an interdisciplinary project developing a multilayer/multimode network model of attitudes based on ideas from social psychology (especially social identity theory) and social constructivism. We are working closely with James Gleeson and others from MACSI to simulate multilayer/multimode network models of attitude systems. These models will be developed and validated alongside empirical studies with human participants in small social networks and larger-scale social media studies.

This is the start of a five-year ERC funded project, and we’re very excited about the ideas we’ll be working on. Ultimately we hope to develop a functional (rather than informational) theory of attitudes to better understand how people use agreement and disagreement to stake out group identity.

We’re looking for someone with skills in agent-based modelling/simulation, network science, and/or social identity.

Project details here: http://ul.ie/dafinet

Postdoc details here: https://www.ul.ie/dafinet/news-centre/news/two-erc-funded-postdoc-positions-now-advertised-5-years

Nicely packaged as a retweetable thread: https://twitter.com/DAFINET_ERC/status/1083400973115146240

Please pass on to people you know who might be interested.