PhD Position in Large Language Models for Computing Education at Aalto University (Department of Computer Science)

PhD Position in Large Language Models for Computing Education at Aalto University

The Large Language Models for Computing Education research project is seeking a dedicated and talented individual to fill a fully funded four-year (2+2) PhD student position. The position is part of Dr. Juho Leinonen's Academy Research Fellow project at Aalto University, Finland, funded by the Research Council of Finland.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research with world-leading experts in computing education, specifically investigating the applications of large language models for computing education. The project includes two main focus areas: 1) studying how novice programmers use AI code generation tools and 2) exploring the creation of educational resources using large language models. The topic of the PhD should focus on one of these focus areas. You will be given support for travel to conferences and a research visit to The University of Auckland, connecting you with global leaders in the field. During the four-year PhD project, your tasks will include designing, implementing, and evaluating new large language model based tools for computing education.

Ideal applicants should have a strong computer science background and be proficient in software development. The applicant must have a Master’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent. Prior experience in research activities such as data analysis and writing scientific articles is considered a significant plus. However, what truly defines the ideal candidate is a deep interest in exploring potential applications of large language models for computing education.

To apply, please prepare a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the position, a CV, and degree & study transcripts. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found, so don't delay.

Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English. Please attach only the following documents as a single PDF to your application:

• A cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position (max. 1 page). The letter must be specific to this call and address the research you would like to pursue within the general theme of the project.

• Curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, if any).

• Copies of your MSc and BSc degree certificates, including transcripts of all MSc and BSc university records (grades and courses) and their English translations (Finnish and Swedish also accepted).

Submit your application through the Aalto University recruitment site ("Apply now!” button) by 8th October 2023.

The starting date of the position is in September 2023 at the earliest, or as agreed. The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary for a doctoral student is approximately 2700 EUR/month and increases with thesis progress.

Aalto University offers a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts. The position is located at the Aalto University Otaniemi campus which can be easily reached by public transport. For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto/living-in-finland  https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/welcome-to-aalto-university-and-finland-info-package 

For further details about this position, please contact Dr. Juho Leinonen ([email protected]).

Aalto University is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse research community. We are excited to review applications from candidates of all backgrounds and researchers from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

If you are already working at Aalto University, please apply via our internal Workday system (Career)
 

Suomeksi:

Etsimme motivoitunutta jatko-opiskelijaa nelivuotiseen (2+2) rahoitettuun tohtorikoulutettavan paikkaan. Paikka on osa dosentti Juho Leinosen “Large Language Models for Computing Education”-tutkimusprojektia. Projektissa tutkitaan suurien kielimallien sovelluksia tietotekniikan opetuksessa.

Keskeiset tehtävät:

• Tutkia, kuinka aloittelevat ohjelmoijat käyttävät AI-avusteisia ohjelmointityökaluja.

• Kartoittaa opetusresurssien luomista suurilla kielimalleilla.

Hakijalta odotetaan vahvaa tietotekniikka/tietojenkäsittelytiede-taustaa ja ohjelmointitaitoa. Aikaisempaa kokemusta tutkimuksen tekemisestä pidetään etuna. Paikkaan valittu tulee saamaan tukea konferenssimatkoihin ja tutkimuskäyntiin Aucklandin yliopistossa.

Hakemus tulee toimittaa Aalto-yliopiston rekrytointisivuston kautta viimeistään 8. lokakuuta 2023. Aloitusajankohta on aikaisintaan syyskuussa 2023 tai sopimuksen mukaan. Lähtöpalkka on noin 2700 EUR/kk ja nousee väitöskirjaprojektin edetessä. Katso tarkemmat hakuohjeet ja tiedot hakuun vaadituista dokumenteista paikan englanninkielisestä kuvauksesta.

Lisätietoja tehtävästä antaa Juho Leinonen ([email protected]).

Aallon nykyiset työntekijät: hae tehtävää Workdayn "career" järjestelmän kautta.

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