PhD Position in Advanced Student Modeling and Tailored Large Language Models for Personalized Learning in Computer Science

The Advanced Student Modeling and Tailored Large Language Models for Personalized Learning in Computing Education research project is seeking a dedicated and talented individual for a salaried PhD student position. The position is part of a project 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 tailoring large language models (LLMs) for personalized learning of programming. The project has two main focus areas: 1) advanced student modeling which will inform the LLMs and 2) fine-tuning LLMs to provide pedagogically valid support for learners. The topic of the PhD will focus on one of these main focus areas. You will be given support for travel to present research at conferences, connecting you with global leaders in the field. During the PhD project, your tasks will include designing, implementing, and evaluating new large language model-based tools for computing education.

Ideal applicants have a computer science background, are proficient in developing web applications, and have prior experience in LLMs and their use in applications. The research is interdisciplinary, so an interest in education and prior experience from teaching is considered an advantage. The applicant must have a Master’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent. Prior research experience 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 the 26th of January, 2025. 

The starting date of the position is in March 2025, or as agreed. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities, and the salary of a PhD student starts at around 2700 €/month (gross) and increases over the duration of the thesis process. The annual workload of research and teaching staff at Aalto University is currently 1612 hours.

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   

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.

For further details about this position, please contact Senior University Lecturer Arto Hellas (arto.hellas@aalto.fi) and Academy Research Fellow Juho Leinonen (juho.2.leinonen@aalto.fi).

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