PhD scholarship in Generative AI tools to support engineering students' learning

Are you passionate about Generative AI and how to make it useful? Do you want to design new Generative AI tools and methods that improve student learning in university STEM courses? Then this PhD, on providing relevant information and feedback to students' own work using Generative AI, is for you.

This PhD is a strategic initiative in collaboration between DTU Compute and DTU Learning Lab and will focus on designing and validating Generative AI-based tools that can provide immediate, relevant information and feedback to students' own work during the formative courses of the BSc programs at DTU – Technical University of Denmark. DTU Compute provides several large courses to all DTU's BSc programs where the tools can be tested and also does research in machine learning and AI methods at a highly recognized international level. DTU Learning Lab is home for teaching and learning at DTU and supports research in the learning of didactics and pedagogics at a high international level.

In many large courses, providing immediate and relevant information and feedback can be challenging. Generative AI holds a promise to facilitate learning by providing almost instant feedback and information tailored to the student's current situation, but it needs to be carefully designed to do so effectively and in a way that motivates the student to learn. Through a User-Centered approach and with Design-Thinking methodology this PhD aims at designing, testing and validating the selection and integration of Generative AI tools into the formative engineering courses to improve not only the immediacy but also the accuracy and trustworthiness of the provided information.

Responsibilities and qualifications

You will work with your supervisors as well as with other experts, the course responsible, instructors and engaged students to clarify how Generative AI might be most useful to facilitate the learning process, analyse, select and design tools and methods that can do so, implement such systems and test their feasibility in the context of ongoing courses and eventually validate and estimate their effect on students' learning and motivation.

As part of the PhD project, a 3–6-month exchange stay at another recognized research group at a university in Europe, USA or Australia is expected to take place.

Minimum Qualifications

• A background in a related engineering field covering e.g., Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence, Design and Innovation, Learning Technologies or Software Engineering
• Working knowledge with Generative AI tools and their foundation e.g., Large Language Models such as ChatGPT
• Experience working with User-Centered methods
• Interest in learning, didactics and pedagogics
• Ability to work independently and with a diverse set of stakeholders
• Able to communicate well in English. Danish language can be an advantage.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The starting date will be December 1st, 2024 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is full-time.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 6 September 2024 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Per Bækgaard at

You can read more about DTU Compute at DTU Compute and DTU Learning Lab at DTU Learning Lab .