Applications reviewed from 15 October 2026 until positions are filled
Corvinus University of Budapest is recruiting two Research Assistant/PhD students and one Postdoctoral Researcher to join the newly established Geography of Code research group led by Dr. Johannes Wachs. These fully paid research opportunities are ideal for candidates interested in computational social science, economics, artificial intelligence, network science, and the future of work.
Based in Budapest, Hungary, the research group will investigate how the digital economy is transforming skilled work, collaboration, technology diffusion, and regional development using large-scale datasets from platforms such as GitHub and LinkedIn.
About the Geography of Code Research Group
The Geography of Code research group explores how software developers collaborate, move across regions, and contribute to the spread of innovation and AI. The team combines methods from:
- Computational social science
- Economics
- Network science
- Natural language processing (NLP)
- Data science and AI
Researchers will work with unique large-scale datasets while collaborating with colleagues from the Center for Collective Learning and the ANETI Lab.
Available Positions
1. Research Assistant / PhD Student (2 Positions)
These positions are designed for candidates who wish to pursue a PhD while working as full-time research assistants.
Start date: From 1 December 2026 (flexible)
Full-time (40 hours/week)
700,000 HUF gross/month
Students completing a master’s degree may begin on a 20-hour contract earning 400,000 HUF gross per month, before transitioning to full-time after graduation.
Successful candidates will receive support to apply for a local PhD programme in Business Informatics or Economics, with the doctoral programme expected to begin in Fall 2027.
2. Postdoctoral Researcher
The postdoctoral researcher will help lead major research projects and contribute to building the new laboratory.
Start date: From 1 December 2026 (flexible)
Three-year full-time contract
1,100,000 HUF gross/month
The role includes mentoring junior researchers, organizing research activities, and developing independent lines of inquiry within the Geography of Code project.
Research Areas
Selected researchers will contribute to projects examining:
- The geography of software development
- Digital labor markets and remote work
- Artificial intelligence adoption
- Technology diffusion across regions
- Collaboration networks among skilled workers
- Economic impacts of the digital economy
The group uses computational methods to answer social science questions through large-scale digital trace data.
Who Should Apply?
PhD Applicants
Applicants should have:
- Strong interest in computational social science
- Experience with programming and data analysis
- Skills in modeling and data wrangling
- Interest in economics, networks, or AI
Knowledge of econometrics, databases, or network science is an advantage but not essential.
Postdoctoral Applicants
Candidates should:
- Hold (or be close to completing) a PhD
- Have strong coding skills
- Be experienced with large, complex datasets
- Have expertise in economics, computer science, geography, physics, or related disciplines
- Be interested in AI and computational research
International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, and no Hungarian language is required. The working language is English.
Benefits and Research Environment
Researchers will receive more than a salary. The programme includes access to an outstanding academic ecosystem and international research opportunities.
Highlights include:
- Dedicated research group at Corvinus University
- Collaboration with leading computational research labs
- Large-scale proprietary datasets
- AI tools and high-performance computing resources
- Office space at the Corvinus Institute of Advanced Study
- Conference travel funding
- International English-speaking research environment
- Free coffee in the institute
Application Requirements
PhD Applicants
Submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Maximum two-page motivation letter
- Contact details for two referees
Postdoctoral Applicants
Submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Maximum two-page motivation letter
- One research paper
- Contact details for two referees
Applications should be sent directly to Johannes Wachs via email.
Application Deadline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning 15 October 2026, and the positions will remain open until filled. Early applications are encouraged.
Why Apply?
These positions offer an exceptional opportunity to join a newly established research group at the intersection of AI, economics, computational social science, and network science. Researchers will help shape an ambitious international laboratory while conducting impactful research on the future of digital work.
Interested candidates should submit their application materials directly to Johannes Wachs by email.
