PhD position in Grounding Large Language Models in the Real World

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.

• 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 .

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.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values  and we actively engage  to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here  to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

If you would like more information about this role, please contact Catharine Oertel Genannt Bierbach [email protected] .

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.