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

Ntnu; Trondheim; Hybrid; NOK 496,000 - 606,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Norwegian language training

Job summary

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim invites applications for a PhD Candidate in large language models (LLMs) for data extraction and reasoning in materials science. The project focuses on developing LLM-assisted methods for interpreting materials data, starting with phase diagrams for inorganic oxides.

The position supports joint supervision by NTNU and Norsk Regnesentral, with an emphasis on training through the FACET group and opportunities for extended

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in materials science or a closely related field with 120 credits at master’s level.
• Strong academic record with average grade B or better on NTNU’s scale.
• Documented experience with Python or another relevant programming language.
• Good oral and written communication 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 (5-year, 120 credits)

Job description

The Department of Materials Science and Engieering has a vacancy for a

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.

...

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 to NTNU'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.

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

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.
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues.
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2) .

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 of measures to promote equality.(

Salary and conditions

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 550 800,-per annum. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary.

The position is conditional on external funding.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and adapt to them.

For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act , and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to bein conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

About the application

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in English preferably, or in a Scandinavian language.

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above. The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request.

The application must include:

• A cover letter describing the applicant’s motivation and suitability for the position.
• CV
• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
• A brief description of previous research or project work.
• Names and contact information of three relevant referees

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor's and Master's education, in addition to other higher education. If your institution uses “diploma supplement” (normal for most European institutions), you must attach this. A description of the documentation required can also be found here . If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) , please attach this as well.

Joint work will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint work, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

When assessing the best qualified, we emphasize necessary qualifications such as education, experience and personal suitability. Motivation for the position, ambitions, and potential for research will also count when assessing the candidates.
NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and has committed itself to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment and CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

General information

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation . You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.

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]

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.

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

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 .