PhD Candidate in CS/IS Engineering on LLMs

About the SnT

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services.
We play an instrumental role in Europe by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent. We look for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to our projects in areas such as: Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks, and ICT Services & Applications.

The Centre is rapidly expanding its research activities and is seeking highly motivated doctoral candidates who wish to pursue research in close cooperation with our partners. For further information you may check: www.securityandtrust.lu and https://wwwen.uni.lu/snt/research/finatrax.

Your role

The successful candidate will join the young, vibrant, and interdisciplinary FINATRAX Research Group, which builds bridges between business research and information systems engineering. The group conducts research on the application and the impact of emerging technologies like DLT/Blockchain, GenAI, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Human-Computer Interaction, and IoT/5G on organisations from both the private and public sectors. The group consists of doctoral and post-doctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds (e.g., policy, business, technology), united in pursuit of sustainable technologies that positively impact society. For more information, please visit our website: https://wwwen.uni.lu/snt/research/finatrax/projects

The successful candidate will pursue a Ph.D. degree (Doctorate) in computer science / information systems engineering. In this project, the aim is to bridge the gap between large language models (LLMs) and task automation, enabling natural language interaction, that is, via a chatbot, to access and control automation tools safely. In particular, architectures enabling the communication between LLMs and task automation tools as well as corresponding security and business implications will be investigated.

In general, the candidate will perform the following tasks:

• Carry out research in fields of interest to the research group, such as:
  • Deploying and benchmarking state-of-the-art LLMs with respect to cost, performance, and data protection
  • Developing and deploying LLM based architectures for task automation
  • Investigating the performance of hybrid LLMs - knowledge-based approaches for task automation
  • Using Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, collaborate with our industry partner to gather requirements for task automation, evaluating the potential of hybrid LLMs to effectively address these needs and optimize workflows.
  • Investigation of state-of-the-art methods from explainable AI and adaptation of suitable methods for task automation
• Disseminate results through scientific publications in outlets on the intersection between information systems and computer science
• Support the conceptualization and writing of research proposals to attract industry partnerships as well as national and European grant projects
• Conduct research projects and create project deliverables

For further information, please contact, Igor Tchappi () or Gilbert Fridgen ().

Your profile

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems (Engineering), or related fields with an AI background
• Strong programming skills in at least one major programming language
• Interest in cloud-based architectures
• Familiarity with relevant LLMs and interest in semantic/cognitive search are beneficial
• A collaborative team player with a desire to make a personal impact within our interdisciplinary research group
• The commitment to participate in the design and implementation of high-quality solutions that solve significant problems
• Self-initiative, creativity, curiosity, flexibility and enthusiasm to work
• The position requires English-language proficiency for both written and verbal communication. Knowledge of French, German and/or Luxembourgish is not required

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• A cover letter including:
  • A statement on the candidate's personal motivation for applying (why a doctoral program, why in Luxembourg, minimum 300 words)
  • A statement on the candidate's motivation for applying for this topic (minimum 300 words)
• Full CV, including the contact address and work experience
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken (Bachelor's and Master's degree or equivalent)

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Months - extendable up to 48 months if required
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07231

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time).