Postdoc in AI-Based Language Learning Systems- DTU Engineering Technology

Are you passionate about combining artificial intelligence, human-centred design, and education technology to make learning more accessible and adaptive?

We invite you to join the Department of Engineering Technology at DTU, where you will contribute to the European AI-Based Personal Language Learning Assistant project — an Erasmus+ funded collaboration across Denmark, Belgium, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
The project aims to design, implement, and evaluate an AI-driven language learning assistant that adapts to each learner’s background, pace, and needs, supporting especially migrants and disadvantaged learners through an inclusive digital transformation.

You will become part of a diverse and interdisciplinary environment that bridges computer science, pedagogy, and modern artificial intelligence. The position is anchored in the section Energy Technology and Computer Science, known for close collaboration with industry, educational institutions, and EU partners.

Responsibilities and qualifications 
Your main responsibility will be to conduct applied research and development within the project’s technical and pedagogical scope. Specifically, you will:

• Develop and fine-tune large language model (LLM)-based tutoring and dialogue systems for personalized language learning
• Integrate speech recognition and pronunciation evaluation components into adaptive learning workflows
• Collaborate with pedagogical researchers to align AI feedback with didactic principles and educational quality standards
• Conduct user studies and pilot evaluations across partner institutions to assess effectiveness and inclusion 
• Contribute to scientific publications, technical deliverables, and open-source dissemination

You will work closely with Assistant Professor Lei You (Co-PI and technical lead), combining technical and didactic perspectives in a cohesive team.

Your overall focus will be to strengthen the department’s research and student supervision within computer science to fulfil the increasing demand for academic as well as industrial knowledge within this field and competencies across multiple engineering programs. To do so, you will:

• Develop the research field by identifying knowledge gaps of scientific, academic, and industrial relevance
• Contribute to and take leadership at different stages of project development
• Conduct and in time lead research projects with high visibility in the international networks of relevance through publications and collaborations
• Co-supervision of bachelor and master students within the above-mentioned fields

Qualifications:

• PhD degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field
• Solid experience in one or more of the following: NLP, speech processing, human-AI interaction, or agentic-AI systems
• Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with modern ML frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, Hugging Face, TensorFlow)
• Interest in applied educational contexts and collaborative, interdisciplinary work
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken); Danish is an advantage but not required

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Research experience 
• Research vision and potential
• International impact and experience 
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

Salary and terms of employment 
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 position is full-time for 18 months, with an expected starting date of 1 April 2026 (or according to mutual agreement).

The workplace is the Department of Engineering Technology at the DTU Ballerup Campus.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from the Assistant Professor Lei You leiyo@dtu.dk or Head of Section Mehdi Savaghebi medi@dtu.dk 

You can read more about DTU Engineering Techn