Connectionists: [Jobs] Open Postdoctoral Research Position at Max Planck Institute & Saarland University

[Mariya Toneva]

Open Postdoctoral Research Position at Max Planck Institute & Saarland
University

Most code is now written as a collaboration between humans and
code-assistive technologies, which are based on foundation models, trained
on text and source code. How can we ensure that this collaboration is most
effective? In this ambitious project, we will develop methods based on
machine learning, cognitive science, and software engineering that improve
the effectiveness of human-AI collaboration in the domain of code
generation. An example of a concrete research question of interest is how
to adapt the model output based on inferences about the user's cognitive
state. We will also validate our developed methods via large-scale
crowdsourced human experiments as well as in-person studies with a more
focused population of programmers.

Ideal candidate:

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead this project. Suitable
candidates will have strong computational backgrounds, and have research
experience with 1) large language models for text and/or code generation
and 2) running human user studies. Experience with analyzing and modeling
brain imaging data (EEG and/or fMRI) is beneficial, but not required.
Fluent communication in written and spoken English is required.

Team:

We are a team of computer scientists and cognitive scientists who are
working closely together. Specifically, the faculty and groups involved in
this project are:


   -

   Sven Apel, Chair of Software Engineering, Saarland University


   -

   Adish Singla, Machine Teaching Group, Max Planck Institute for Software
   Systems


   -

   Mariya Toneva, Bridging AI and Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute
   for Software Systems


The candidate will have the opportunity to extensively interact with all
groups, collaborate on exciting relevant projects (e.g. see our recent
joint preprint <https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.12471> for an example), and
mentor PhD, masters, and bachelors students. The position is in
Saarbruecken, Germany. The official language of this collaboration is
English.

How to apply:

Please send the following to the PIs (apel at cs.uni-saarland.de,
adishs at mpi-sws.org, mtoneva at mpi-sws.org) by Jan 31, 2025 AoE:

   -

   Updated CV
   -

   List of your 2-3 most relevant publications or preprints
   -

   A brief research statement on what kind of related research directions
   you would like to work on (1-2 pages)
   -

   A brief statement on why you're interested in this position (1-2
   paragraphs)
   -

   Contact information of 2 references. References will be requested at a
   later date, only once an initial screening is completed.
   -

   Preferred start date and duration
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