Information for Prospective Students and Researchers
Welcome to the opportunities available at our Chair. Our work is grounded in the integration of statistical insight, mathematical rigor, and advanced computational techniques, applied to substantive questions in the social sciences. Although my background is primarily in political science, I have successfully collaborated with students and colleagues from sociology, economics, and other social science disciplines. While I am eager to involve you in my current research projects, I strongly encourage you to pursue your own research interests in conjunction with our work.
All members of the Chair will have access to a dedicated multi-GPU server system designed for social science research. We are explicitly looking for researchers with the ability and interest to make use of this system.
Currently we have open positions for 2 Doctoral Candidates and 1 Research Assistant.
Please note:
All members of the Chair are expected to attend our weekly Thursday lunch research seminar. This forum is essential for sharing ideas, receiving constructive feedback, developing new skills, and forging strong research connections. With the exception of justified, temporary research-related commitments (such as fieldwork or study abroad), continued active affiliation with the Chair is required.
For Research Assistants
I occasionally offer positions for research assistants on a semester-by-semester basis. Selection is based on a convergence of mutual research interests and the specific skills required for ongoing projects. If you are interested, please feel free to inquire about current or upcoming opportunities.
For Prospective Master’s Thesis Advisees
I welcome applications from students interested in pursuing a Master’s thesis under the guidance of our Chair. If you have successfully completed the relevant coursework and are drawn to the questions and methods of social and data science, please reach out. Our process generally involves two initial meetings:
- Introductory Discussion: An informal conversation to explore ideas and address any preliminary questions.
- Project Development: If there is a mutual fit, we will collaboratively develop a preliminary research question to serve as a foundation for your thesis.
Please note:
Thesis projects must be conducted on-site, and all proposals must adhere to the established deadlines.For Prospective PhD Students
In your application for a PhD position, please address the following points explicitly:
Research Interests:
Indicate your interest in social science research and outline a general direction or preliminary research question. It is understood that your interests may evolve, but a clear starting point is important.Technical Training:
Applicants should have formal training or equivalent experience in at least two of the following areas:- Mathematics: Coursework beyond first-year undergraduate level (e.g., linear algebra, optimization theory, probability theory).
- Computer Science: Undergraduate-level theory with proficiency in programming in languages that require a deeper understanding than Python, R, or Java.
- Data Handling & Systems: Experience with large, real-time datasets (e.g., ETL processes, SQL/
NoSQL databases) or systems administration, particularly within a Linux environment.
It is acceptable for one area to be particularly well-developed while the second is at an intermediate level. You will, however, not have the opportunity to develop these foundational skills from scratch upon joining our group.
For Prospective Post-Doctoral Researchers
For post-doctoral applicants, I am generally seeking candidates who meet the PhD criteria outlined above and have made significant progress in their academic or research careers. In your initial email, please address the following:
Substantive Research Interests:
Describe your current research agenda, prior accomplishments, and, importantly, your vision for future work within the Chair.Methodological Expertise:
Detail your background in mathematics, statistics, and computational methods.Research Collaboration:
Explain how you would balance independent research with collaborative projects within the Chair. Outline an idea for a potential collaborative project if applicable.Teaching Experience:
Teaching is a vital component of our mission. Describe your most impactful teaching experience—whether as an instructor or an engaged student—and the factors that contributed to its success.
In addition to the points shared with PhD applicants, I value a research track record that reflects sustained academic progress over time. I am particularly interested in candidates focused on developing one major, innovative project rather than accumulating a broad portfolio of mid-range publications. Exceptions are, of course, considered on a case-by-case basis. I am equally open to post-doctoral researchers aiming to build robust career trajectories in both academic and non-academic contexts.
In your preliminary email, please address the four points above so that we may begin a productive conversation about your potential role at our Chair.