The Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications for a PhD in Applied Mathematics – Adaptive Network Dynamics of Circadian Rhythms in Social Networks from 1 November 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is time-limited for 3 years (full-time studies).
 

Application Deadline: 04. September 2026

https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=1310&ProjectId=148261&DepartmentId=18970&MediaId=4619&SkipAdvertisement=False&uiculture=en

Description of the PhD project. In this project, we aim to develop mathematical models of adaptive network dynamics with applications to circadian rhythms in social networks. Such dynamics arise when the states of network nodes and the structure of network connections interact and co-evolve — for instance, when individuals' circadian rhythms influence, and are influenced by, their social ties. The core of the project lies at the intersection of dynamical systems theory and network science. Individuals are modeled as oscillators whose phases represent circadian rhythms, coupled through social interactions that themselves evolve over time. This creates a co-evolutionary system in which rhythmic behavior and social structure mutually shape one another. The project will investigate how collective rhythms emerge, persist, or destabilize in such adaptive networks, drawing on bifurcation theory, synchronization phenomena, and network dynamics. The main theoretical direction is the development of a mathematical framework for adaptive network systems, with an emphasis on mathematical modeling and the emergence of low-dimensional dynamics from high-dimensional coupled systems. Complementary directions include data-driven modeling of circadian and social-network time series, and—where feasible—inference of network interaction structure from observational data.