PhD Candidate in Human-Centered Generative AI for Software Engineering

Employment

0.8 - 1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary

€ 2,770 - € 3,539

Required background

Research University Degree

Organizational unit

Faculty of Science

Application deadline

08 April 2024

Apply now

Are you fascinated by the possibilities of Generative Artificial Intelligence in software development? Are you eager to ensure that Generative AI is actually used to boost developers’ productivity? Then we invite you to apply for this PhD position on Human-Centered Generative Artificial Intelligence in Software Engineering in the Software Science group at the Institute for Computing and Information Sciences.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) powered by large language models (LLMs) plays an increasing role in software development, allowing for task automation and just-in-time developer feedback. However, without considering humans, it is easy for LLM-based tools to hinder rather than help software developers in their tasks or to introduce unexpected side effects. Human-centered GenAI for Software Engineering aims to put software developers at the forefront of the design of LLM-based tools to amplify and augment their capabilities.

In this multidisciplinary PhD project supervised by Dr Mairieli Wessel and Prof. Frits Vaandrager, you will combine insights from software engineering, human-computer interaction and machine learning by applying empirical research methods such as field studies, mining studies and interviews. Specifically, you will investigate ways of effectively augmenting software developers' abilities in achieving their specific goals. There are many directions in which your research can contribute to this and you will have the freedom to shape your own research direction within this broad field. You will be expected to conduct high-quality research, coming up with creative solutions, working diligently, interacting with peers worldwide, and interacting with practitioners from both the open source and industrial domains to evaluate your research. Your teaching load will be up to 10% of your working time.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Information Sciences, or a similar discipline.
• You have a demonstrable interest in software engineering, empirical research and socio-technical factors.
• You have solid programming and software engineering skills.
• You have an excellent command of written and spoken English.
• You have a healthy dose of creativity.

We are

As a PhD candidate, you will be affiliated with the Software Science group at the Institute for Computing and Information Sciences (iCIS) at Radboud University. The Software Science group employs approximately 60 members, comprising full, associate and assistant professors, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD candidates. The group’s major research themes are human aspects of software engineering and empirical research. Its researchers have developed techniques to make it easier for software developers to develop and evolve software systems. You will pursue your PhD in a vibrant international research environment. More information about the group can be found here .

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account (link is external) and read stories from our colleagues.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.
We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.
Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (0.8 FTE 5- year contract - 1.0 FTE 4- year contract) of 1,5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract) or 3.5 years (5-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,770 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,539 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P ).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service . The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

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Practical information and applying

You can apply no later than 8 April only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Mairieli Wessel.

In your motivation letter, please include your vision (e.g. stating what you consider an urgent problem to address, how you would go about the project, etc.) and describe how your background or research interests relate to the PhD subject. A generic letter of motivation is not appreciated.

The first interviews will take place on Monday 29 April. Any second interview will take place on Monday 6 May.  You will preferably start your employment as soon as possible.
We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure . It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality, please take notice of the following information (link is external) . 

Apply now Application deadline 08 April 2024

We would like to recruit our new colleague ourselves. Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated.

Would you like more information?
Dr M. Santos Wessel (Mairieli)
Assistant Professor
Last modified: 07 March 2024
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