Context: An essential part of the success of Large Language Model (LLM)-based tools such as GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT is their interface. While some of these models' capabilities were available before, the tools brought them to larger audiences without dramatically disrupting their workflow or requiring lots of additional steps. IDE users have their own workflows and the injection of new complex features, such as LLM-based ones, is a non-trivial task and there exists a significant space for innovation in the field of Human-AI interaction.

Goal: The goal of this project is to study how can we embed emerging LLM practices such as code generation or code explanation into the developers’ workflow to improve their productivity while minimizing disruptions. Furthermore, the usual development process of LLMs is accompanied by multiple metrics. Most of them assess the accuracy of the model but do not carefully assess how the model is perceived by humans. We want to fill this gap for code models and understand how to measure their usefulness for users and develop approaches to align them with human needs. 

Note: This PhD position is part of the AI for Software Engineering lab (AI4SE), a collaboration between JetBrains and Delft University of Technology. Hence, the prospective PhD student will also work closely with researchers and developers of JetBrains. More information is available at https://lp.jetbrains.com/research/ai-for-se/.

We are looking for candidates with the following criteria:

• A Masters degree in a relevant discipline (such as computer science, software engineering, mathematics, or electrical engineering);
• Excellent written and spoken English skills;
• Have sufficient experience in both domains and a strong background in at least one of the following domains:

1. Python, NLP, and Machine Learning: good understating of modern architectures including Transformers, and experience with HuggingFace, PyTorch and/or TensorFlow
2. Kotlin/Java and Tool development; understanding of how to build applications (frontend/backend) and IDE plugins

• Ability to work independently and interdisciplinary and also a team-based and supportive working attitude.

The following skills will be a plus:

• Prior experience with publishing research,
• Experience in user studies: conducting interviews, surveys, and user evaluations,
• Prior experience with qualitative methods.

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.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

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 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

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!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

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.