We are an interdisciplinary lab studying social and behavioral phenomena using network concepts. Members of the lab actively develop theories, methods and software in a variety of domains, for our own empirical studies and for our collaborative endeavors across multiple discplines. The group of Prof. Christoph Stadtfeld is looking for a motivated PhD student interested in combining social network research with analysis of digital trace data in the domain of music tastes and cultural consumption.
Project background
Sociologists have long been interested in how society affects individuals' cultural tastes. Today, it is possible to measure cultural consumption (e.g., which songs individuals listen to throughout their days) on a fine-grained level using data from online platforms and methods brought forward by the emerging discipline of computational social science. This project explores two key questions in cultural sociology with a contemporary and computational lens. First, it examines how individuals develop and maintain their cultural preferences on digital platforms and the impact of recommender algorithms on these preferences (alongside their societal implications such as data privacy and ownership, algorithm fairness, etc.). Second, it aims to bring in methodological innovations needed to combine digital data (i.e., behavioral traces on various platforms) with traditional surveys and model the longitudinal dynamics of cultural tastes and social networks from these sources.
Job description
During this project, you will be at the forefront of social network research, both independently and as a member of our research team. Your responsibilities may encompass:
Revisiting and further developing theories from the field of cultural sociology.
Being involved in conceptualizing and designing innovative data collection strategies and behavioral experiments.
Developing new statistical methods for analyzing digital data with network concepts (with the potential to collaborate with other team members).
Engaging in interdisciplinary dialogues (e.g., computer science, information science, political science, sociology, etc.) to enhance our knowledge on how digital systems shape and mediate individual preferences and their societal implications.
Presenting research progress at related conferences to an international, multidisciplinary audience.
We offer
We offer an inspiring research environment at one of the world's top universities, close collaboration in a small research lab that is part of a leading international network of social networks researchers, advanced training in modern social networks research, generous research funding and a competitive salary. Tuition fees do not apply.
We cultivate a collegial and supportive work environment. Weekly group meetings and regular presentations provide a forum to share problems and challenges, half-baked ideas, work in progress, and obtain peer feedback. We have regular team activities, including reading group meetings, writing retreats, and day trips, to foster collaboration, team bonding, and enrich our research experience.
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
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About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.