Research engineer for Code Translation and Differential Testing using LLMs

Mälardalen University (MDU) is the youngest university in Sweden. In line with our vision, to be a progressive and collaborative University where we shape a sustainable future together, we wish to make a difference.

Do you want to be involved and contribute to our development?

Together, we can create a sustainable future through knowledge and innovation. We believe that knowledge and new perspectives are best attained and reached together in collaboration with others – our colleagues, students, the private and public sectors, both nationally and internationally

At the School of Innovation, Design and Engineering our students are studying to be for example innovators, entrepreneurs, illustrators, information designers, network technicians and engineers. We have five research specializations with different research profiles and research schools. Our work takes place in cooperation with and in strategic agreements with companies, organisations and public authorities in the region. 
 
Employment information
Employment: Temporary employment 5 months
Scope: Full time
Number of positions: 1
Closing date for application: 11 december 2024
Campus location: Västerås
School: School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, (IDT)

Position description
 

We are currently seeking a research engineer for a project in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering.

In this position, your main tasks will be:


• Using LLMs to perform accurate translation between two languages: Lingua Franca (LF) and Rebeca.
• Designing and implementing an LLM-based tool to translate a Rebeca program (Prog-R) into an LF program (Prog-L).
• Using LLMs to explain why Prog-R and Prog-L have the same semantics and to generate difference exposing tests (DETs) that detect semantic differences between two given programs.
• Setting up a pipeline for code translation, adapting the translation technique based on preliminary results, curating a dataset, conducting experiments, and writing the final report.

As a research engineer, you are expected to take responsibility for planning and executing your work, take initiatives to develop your ideas and knowledge, and be able to collaborate with others both within and outside academia.

Qualification requirements
We are looking for you who has with a master’s degree in computer science or software engineering. Prior knowledge of reactive and actor-based languages, as well as large language models and language translation using LLMs, is mandatory. You should have extensive experience in reading and writing complex scientific articles and giving presentations to large groups. The position requires a strong motivation for research, as well as good oral and written communication skills in English.

Merit
For this position, a PhD in Computer Science or Software Engineering is advantageous. Additional knowledge of Chain-of-thought (CoT) and Self-consistency strategies when working with LLMs is beneficial. 

Personal abilities
In an overall assessment of suitability, emphasis is also placed on personal abilities. All employees at MDU are expected to cooperate and treat colleagues and students with respect, take responsibility for the organisation and their own work duties and contribute to a positive work environment. To succeed in this role, you should have the ability to collaborate with other researchers, take initiative, and work independently as well as in a team.

We value the qualities that an even distribution of age and gender, as well as ethnic and cultural diversity, can contribute to the organization.

Application
Application is made online. Make your application by clicking the "Apply" button below.

The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and will reach the University no later than closing date for application.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Union representatives:

Saco-S saco-s@mdu.se

Susanne Meijer ST-OFR/S, tel: +46 (0) 21-10 14 89

We decline all contact with recruiters and salespersons of advertisements. We have made our strategic choices for this recruitment.