PhD Candidate in large language models(LLMs) for data extraction and reasoning in materials science

Arbeidsplassen; Trondheim; On-site; NOK 520,000 - 560,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentor programme

Inclusive environment

Norwegian language training

Job summary

NTNU invites applications for a PhD candidate position in machine learning for materials science. The project focuses on developing LLM-assisted methods to extract and organize complex materials data, with emphasis on phase diagrams and oxides.

You will be employed by NTNU, with co-supervisors from Norsk Regnesentral, and spend extended research stays. The role offers an internationally oriented research environment, close collaboration with leading researchers, and a structured PhD programme

Qualifications

• Master's degree in materials science, solid-state chemistry, condensed matter physics, or closely related discipline.
• Strong academic record with average grade equal to B or better on NTNU scale.
• Documented experience with Python or other relevant programming language.
• Good oral and written presentation skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-quality research within the scope of the project.
• Complete the PhD education and training programme.
• Publish results in internationally recognised journals and conferences.
• Actively participate in and develop collaboration with NTNU and Norsk Regnesentral.
• Contribute to a constructive and inclusive research environment.

Skills

Python

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in materials science or related field

Job description

PhD Candidate in large language models(LLMs) for data extraction and reasoning in materials science

NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Stillingstittel PhD Candidate in large language models(LLMs) for data extraction and reasoning in materials science

NTNU is a broad-based university with atechnical-scientific profile and a focusin professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

Are you motivated to take a step towards a doctorate and open up exciting career opportunities? As a PhD Candidate with us, you will work to achieve your doctorate, and at the same time gain valuable experience that qualifies you for a further career in higher education and research, in and outside academia.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (IMA) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has a vacant position as PhD candidate in the field of machine learning for materials science.

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

About the project

Can AI interpret graphs like a human materials scientist that relates diagrams to composition temperature, pressure, synthesis, processing and uncertainty? The PhD candidate will develop and evaluate large language models (LLMs) assisted methods for extracting, organising and assessing complex scientific information related to materials. The initial application will be phase diagrams and related data for inorganic materials, particularly oxides. Existing LLMs will be adapted to process materials science data, answer complex queries related to materials science, and formulate research hypotheses that can be benchmarked through physical experiments or computational simulations.

The project is funded by the Research Council of Norway and is a collaboration between NTNU and Norsk Regnesentral (The Norwegian Computing Centre). The PhD candidate will be a part of the research group FACET (Functional Materials and Materials Chemistry). The candidate will be employed and supervised by NTNU, with co-supervisors from Norsk Regnesentral, where the candidate will spend extended research stays.

Duties of the position

• Perform high-quality research within the scope of the project.
• Complete the PhD education and training programme.
• Publish results in internationally recognised journals and conferences.
• Actively participate in and develop the collaboration between NTNU and Norsk Regnesentral.
• Contribute to a constructive and inclusive research environment.

Required selection criteria

• You must have a relevant Master's degree in materials science, solid-state chemistry, condensed matter physics, or a closely related discipline. Your course of study must correspond to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been obtained at master's level. Master students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master's degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared toNTNU's grading scale . If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• Documented experience with Python or another relevant programming language, or with computational materials science/chemistry.
• Good oral and written presentation skills in English.

This is NTNU

NTNU is a broad-based university with atechnical-scientific profile and a focusin professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

Video: https://youtu.be/Xt-yHCN5QS0

About the position

Are you motivated to take a step towards a doctorate and open up exciting career opportunities? As a PhD Candidate with us, you will work to achieve your doctorate, and at the same time gain valuable experience that qualifies you for a further career in higher education and research, in and outside academia.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (IMA) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has a vacant position as PhD candidate in the field of machine learning for materials science.

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

About the project

Can AI interpret graphs like a human materials scientist that relates diagrams to composition temperature, pressure, synthesis, processing and uncertainty? The PhD candidate will develop and evaluate large language models (LLMs) assisted methods for extracting, organising and assessing complex scientific information related to materials. The initial application will be phase diagrams and related data for inorganic materials, particularly oxides. Existing LLMs will be adapted to process materials science data, answer complex queries related to materials science, and formulate research hypotheses that can be benchmarked through physical experiments or computational simulations.

The project is funded by the Research Council of Norway and is a collaboration between NTNU and Norsk Regnesentral (The Norwegian Computing Centre). The PhD candidate will be a part of the research group FACET (Functional Materials and Materials Chemistry). The candidate will be employed and supervised by NTNU, with co-supervisors from Norsk Regnesentral, where the candidate will spend extended research stays.

Duties of the position

• Perform high-quality research within the scope of the project.
• Complete the PhD education and training programme.
• Publish results in internationally recognised journals and conferences.
• Actively participate in and develop the collaboration between NTNU and Norsk Regnesentral.
• Contribute to a constructive and inclusive research environment.

Required selection criteria

• You must have a relevant Master's degree in materials science, solid-state chemistry, condensed matter physics, or a closely related discipline. Your course of study must correspond to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been obtained at master's level. Master students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master's degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared toNTNU's grading scale . If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the NV faculty's Doctoral Programme . (https://www.ntnu.edu/nv/phd)
• Documented experience with Python or another relevant programming language, or with computational materials science/chemistry.
• Good oral and written presentation skills in English.

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions andRegulations for the degrees philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) and philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) in artistic development work at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) for general criteria for the position.

Preferred selection criteria

Experience or strong interest in one or more of the following areas is considered an advantage:

• Machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing or data science.
• Electronic structure calculations (e.g. DFT or tight-binding methods), or thermodynamic modelling (e.g. statistical mechanics, MD or CALPHAD).
• Scientific data analysis.
• Interdisciplinary research at the interface between physical sciences and AI.

Personal characteristics

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Is highly motivated for research and can work independently.
• Is curious and capable of learning new methods.
• Work in a structured way, set goals and make plans to achieve them.
• Can work as part of a team as well as independently.
• Communicates clearly both orally and in writing.

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer

• An exciting PhD position in an internationally oriented research environment.
• Close collaboration with leading researchers at NTNU and Norsk Regnesentral.
• Career guidance andfollow-up during the PhD period .
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues.
• Working capital that can be used to implement the project.
• Mentor programme as anew employee at NTNU .
• Favorable terms as a member of theNorwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK.)
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2) .

As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access toemployee benefits .

Diversity

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision isKnowledge for a better world andour values are creative, critical, constructive and respectful . We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education.

At NTNU we want to increase the proportion of women in scientific positions. We have a number ofmeasures to promote equality.(

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Prof. Sverre M. Selbach, e-mail: [e-mail]

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Advisor Marie Kristiansen, e-mail: [e-mail]

Application deadline: 20.09.2026

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For practical information aboutworking at NTNU, please visit this webpage.

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene.Trondheim is the tech capital of Norway with a population of 200,000.The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

We are Norway's leading educational and research environment in materials engineering, materials chemistry and materials science.In collaboration with business and industry, we are a driving force for the development ofinnovative materials as well as new applications and manufacturing processes. Activities in our disciplines are vital for the green shift. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences .