PhD (M/F) Complex networks

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Wikipedia is the classical example of a successful, large-scale collaborative project. Its production, structure and functioning have emerged through the continuous interactions of its contributors, in the absence of a pre-existing, centralised authority. Previous studies have explored the properties of the network of Wikipedia pages, or the inter-relations of contributors, in particular regarding collaboration and conflict. However, the interplay between both networks remains largely unexplored.

One reason for this is the difficulty to model such a system. Indeed, using the framework of networks, it involves two types of nodes —contributors and pages— and multiple types of interactions:
- pages get linked via hyperlinks;
- contributors interact directly via the discussion pages, but also via their contribution to pages (for example when they correct, delete or revert other contributions);
- contributors create, modify and delete pages.
The resulting network is thus particularly complex, involving an online network of pages, a social network of individuals, and a bipartite network of contributions, i.e. actions on pages. Furthermore, in order to model the mechanisms responsible for the evolution of this network, one needs to take into account other parameters related to the nodes: pages can for example be characterized by their size, quality & popularity; contributors by their seniority, roles and preferential behaviour.

The aim of the PhD is first to characterize the mechanisms that may be needed to model the dynamics a Wikipedia project, and define several levels of modelling options, from minimal models to more realistic ones. Second, building on existing preliminary results, the goal is to test these models to identify which mechanisms may be central for understanding the growth of a Wikipedia project. Third, the objective is to determine the necessary conditions for such a self-organized project to be successful, i.e. to grow along 4 axes: number of contributors, coordination, quality & popularity.

Your Work Environment

This PhD is supported by the ANR project Data2Laws, part of the PEPR eNSEMPLE. It is an interdisciplinary project at the interface between Statistical Physics, Data Science, Network Science, Computer Science and Sociology, and will involve collaborations with researchers from IMT Atlantique, ULCO and Université de Rouen. In particular, the design of the models will be guided by results of the analysis of Wikipedia data obtained by other teams, and discussions with a specialist of the sociology of Wikipedia and a senior data engineer from the Wikimedia Foundation.
Candidates (M/F) should hold a Master's degree in Theoretical Physics and/or Complex systems, and have a good proficiency in Python. Knowledge in Statistical physics and Network science, and interest in complex networks and interdisciplinary research are a plus.
The position is for 3 years, and will be located at the Center for Theoretical Physics in Marseille, France.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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