PhD Student in Large Language Models, Innovation, and Science

About the role

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School at Vrije Universiteit Brussel seeks a motivated PhD student to investigate the interaction between large language models, automated science, and innovation. The position includes a doctoral grant and is based at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene).

Key responsibilities

• Conduct original research leading to a doctoral thesis on large language models as tools and objects of study.
• Explore topics such as methodological differences between LLMs and human scientists, measurement of LLM capabilities in economic and scientific tasks, and detection of deceptive behavior by LLMs.
• Participate in teaching activities, specifically guiding exercise sessions for Business Informatics and Business Information Systems.
• Support the daily operations of the Business Technology and Operations department.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Commercial Engineering, or (Applied) Economics.
• Fluent in both Dutch and English.
• Enthusiastic teacher and motivated researcher.
• Not previously employed as an assistant for more than 12 cumulative months.
• Eligibility for a valid work/residence permit for non‑EEA nationals.

Required skills

• Python programming (preferred).

What we offer

• Doctoral grant covering research and teaching responsibilities.
• Access to a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Opportunity to work at a leading European university within the EUTOPIA alliance.