PhD position in Grounding Large Language Models in the Real World

14 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Research Field

Technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

24 Mar 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Human memories do not just capture a stream of data. What is important to memorise is determined by the way we conceptualize the world around us, by common cultural-cognitive perceptions, and by personal preferences. Our memories are efficient but also have limitations and can fail. Machines, on the other hand, can memorise every detail almost without limitation but lack the human capacity to focus on relevance. To collaborate, humans and machines need to align their different memories. In this project we build models, partially inspired on the human capacity for Theory of Mind, that enable such alignment by figuring out what is shared and what is different. Successful alignment of memories should lead to better collaboration of humans and machines, including robots, on shared tasks.

We seek a highly motivated and talented PhD researcher to work on an exciting project focused on hybrid memory modelling. The research will take into account both visual observations by the robot and conversations between robots and people. In this project, the successful candidate will build a conversational robot that aligns their memories through natural language conversation to 1) detect conflicts, gaps, perspectives and uncertainties and 2) repair these. The candidate will be part of the Hybrid Intelligence Center and the Interactive Intelligence Group at TU Delft. You also work in close collaboration with researchers at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

The ideal candidate will have a background in computer science, artificial intelligence, or a related field, and a strong interest in human-computer interaction. Experience in machine learning, natural language processing, and deep learning is also a plus.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• A Master's degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, or a related field
• Strong programming skills in Python or a similar language
• Knowledge of machine learning, natural language processing, and deep learning is a plus
• Experience with affective computing and human-computer interaction is a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Additional Information
Benefits

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service . This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Selection process

The applications for this post should be submitted via the application button before March 24, 2024.

Submit the following documents:

• Motivation letter, including: (1) a brief introduction of yourself, (2) an explanation
  how your previous studies and experience have prepared you for this PhD position, and (3) a motivation why you are interested in this specific position. Maximum length
  1 page.
• Detailed CV.
• Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts.
• Names and contact information of at least three relevant references. We will not
  contact references without your consent.

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Additional comments

If you would like more information about this role, please contact professor Catholijn Jonker, [email protected] .

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/337770/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Delft University of Technology

Country

Netherlands

City

Delft

Postal Code

2628 CD

Street

Mekelweg 2

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/337770/phd-position-in-grounding-large-lang…

Contact

City

Delft

Website

http://www.tudelft.nl/

Street

Mekelweg 2

Postal Code

2628 CD

STATUS: EXPIRED