PhD Position in Machine Learning (LLMs) & Computer Simulation
| Start of announcement | 18.07.2024 |
| End of announcement | 01.09.2024 |
| Institute or department | Institute of Material Systems Modeling |
| Location | Geesthacht |
| Apply now | Go to applicant portal |
The Institute of Materials Systems Modeling of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon is offering a 4-year PhD position in the area of machine learning and computer simulations. The focus of the PhD project will lie on developing novel machine learning architectures, specifically adapting Large Language Models, to work with or replace established methods from computational engineering and computer simulation (such as the finite element method), and to in general improve LLM applicability to regression problems from materials science and engineering.
The PhD position will be supervised by Prof. Roland Aydin (Hereon/ Hamburg University of Technology) in close collaboration with Prof. Robert West (EPFL).
The objective is to use transformer and specifically pre-trained LLM-architectures to extend their compatibility with problems from mechanical engineering and materials research that could not be addressed so far due to their high complexity, which prevents approaches that solely rely on classical mechanistic modeling or classical machine learning.
The place of employment is Geesthacht, with the possibility to also work directly at the Hamburg University of Technology.
Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position.
Your tasks
- development of novel machine learning architectures based on transformers (specifically, pre-trained LLMs) that can be combined with or replace methods from computational engineering and computer simulation
- implementation of your machine learning architectures in Python (using e.g. PyTorch)
- validation of your results in collaboration with colleagues from various application areas
- publication and presentation of your scientific results in international scientific journals and at international conferences and workshops
Your profile
- master’s degree in computational engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, physics, or a similar field of study
- very good programming skills in Python
- good prior experience with neural networks using common Python-ML‑libraries such as PyTorch
- prior experience with large language models and prompt engineering
- preferably also background knowledge in computational mechanics and applied mathematics
- very good English
We offer you
- an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
- a well-connected research campus (public transport bus) and best networking opportunities
- individual opportunities for further training
- social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration
- an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
- 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
- very good compatibility private and professional life; offers of mobile and flexible work
- PhD Buddy Program
- opportunity to enroll in a PhD program at Hamburg University of Technology
- family-friendly company policy with childcare facilities, e.g. nursery close to the company
- free assistance program for employees (EAP)
- Corporate Benefits
- a varied offer in the canteen on campus
Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.
Interested?
Then we are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive application documents (cover letter, CV, transcripts, certificates etc.) indicating the reference number 2024/MS 1 until September 1st, 2024.