PhD Researcher (m,f,x) on Human-Centric Large Language Models (3 years)

Stellenbeschreibung:

PhD Researcher (m,f,x) on Human-Centric Large Language Models (3 years)

The Ruhr area, one of Europe’s largest metropolitan regions, offers attractive career opportunities for outstanding scientists and scholars from around the world. We are seeking to fill a PhD position focused on Human-Centric Large Language Models (LLMs) as soon as possible. This is a full-time, fixed‑term position (3 years) with compensation according to the public service agreement (TV‑L E12/E13).

Start date: at the earliest possible date.

Apply by: 17 August 2026.

Your tasks:

Conduct empirical and theoretical research on Large Language Models (LLMs)
Design and execute experiments to assess how LLM outputs align with societal values
Train and fine‑tune LLMs
Independently analyze quantitative data
Collaborate with researchers from different disciplines to develop innovative approaches for human‑centered use of LLMs

Your profile:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or Statistics
Solid grasp of fundamental ML concepts such as bias‑variance trade‑off, generalization and cross‑validation
Prior working experience with NLP and LLMs
Experience with Python and ML frameworks such as PyTorch and HuggingFace Transformers
High proficiency in English, both written and spoken, for scientific publications and presentations

We offer:

Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team
Extensive training and professional development opportunities
Support in combining family life and work (including childcare arrangements, holiday offers, mobile playroom)
A varied sports program with around 100 sport disciplines and the university's own gym
Flexible working hours and part‑time remote home‑office arrangements are available

The PhD position will be located at Ruhr University Bochum and will be supervised by Prof. Bilal Zafar. The role is embedded in a creative, dynamic, and internationally renowned research environment. Your research will play a crucial role in developing our new Research Center and promoting trustworthy technology to the general public.

Salary is based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV‑L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E12/13 TV‑L.

Further information

RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and willingness to learn the other are prerequisites. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees. German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). The staff council has the right to participate in all selection interviews.

RUB proudly promotes diversity and equal opportunities. We favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and we seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The university expressly requests job applications from women and gives them priority in the case of equivalent qualifications. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.