The Department of Electronic Systems at Aalborg University invites applications for a fully funded PhD stipend focused on developing quality news-chatbots for Public Service Media, within the Wireless Communication study programme. The successful candidate will join the CMI Section (Communication Media and Information Technologies) in Copenhagen, a vibrant research environment renowned for its international profile and interdisciplinary collaboration. Aalborg University is globally recognized for its excellence in electronic engineering, with a strong emphasis on societal impact and problem-based learning. This PhD project (RePIM DC3) centers on advancing AI-based chatbots using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to enhance the quality of answers provided by news chatbots. The primary case study is 'NEO', a chatbot developed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in Geneva, currently deployed in several European public service media organizations. The research aims to improve NEO's answer quality to meet the highest journalistic standards and integrate seamlessly with editorial profiles. Key challenges include implementing a 'deep search' mode that incorporates external trusted sources, developing automated quality control via agentic workflows, and adapting NEO for diverse user needs and contexts, such as social media plugins versus news websites. Performance improvements using graph-based analysis and hybrid retrieval methods are also explored, with flexibility for candidates to propose additional topics in collaboration with supervisors. The position is part of RePIM – Revisioning Public Interest Media, a four-year Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) Doctoral Network dedicated to reimagining the future of public interest media in a data-driven, platform-dominated landscape. RePIM equips doctoral researchers with advanced analytical and managerial skills, fostering strategic innovation and organizational change across European media contexts. The project involves close collaboration with other doctoral candidates, academic exchanges, and a paid internship at EBU in Geneva, as well as a secondment at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in computer engineering, computer science, or data science, with experience in AI, Large Language Models, RAG, data science, embeddings, and software agents. Familiarity with Python, LangChain, LangGraph, MongoDB, Milvus, and Elastic Search is advantageous. Additional knowledge in media science, user experience design, journalism, or communication studies is welcome. Candidates must demonstrate English proficiency and meet MSCA mobility requirements, including not having resided in Denmark for more than 12 months in the past 36 months. All nationalities are encouraged to apply, and diversity is a core value at Aalborg University. The PhD stipend is funded by the MSCA Doctoral Network, with salary and employment terms governed by the Danish AC collective agreement. The position includes paid research stays in Geneva and Brussels, participation in summer and winter schools, and integration into a dynamic, international research community. The anticipated start date is May 1, 2026, with a comprehensive application process involving document submission, interviews, and expert assessment. To apply, submit your application by email to [email protected] with the subject 'Application for DC3 position', including your Master's certificate, transcripts, motivation letter, CV, proof of English proficiency, and a one-page research reflection. Additional documentation such as translations and certificates is encouraged. For further details, visit the RePIM project website and the official vacancy page. For questions, contact Associate Professor Jannick Kirk Sørensen at [email protected]. Join Aalborg University and contribute to world-class research that shapes the future of public interest media through innovative AI and communication technologies.

The Department of Electronic Systems at Aalborg University invites applications for a fully funded PhD stipend focused on developing quality news-chatbots for Public Service Media, within the Wireless Communication study programme. The successful candidate will join the CMI Section (Communication Media and Information Technologies) in Copenhagen, a vibrant research environment renowned for its international profile and interdisciplinary collaboration. Aalborg University is globally recognized for its excellence in electronic engineering and societal impact, offering world-class research infrastructure and a problem-based learning model. This PhD project (RePIM DC3) centers on advancing AI-based chatbots using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to enhance the quality of answers provided by "NEO," a news chatbot developed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in Geneva. The research will address challenges such as integrating external trusted sources, implementing agentic workflows for automated quality control, and adapting NEO for diverse user needs, including journalists and general audiences. The project also explores performance improvements through graph-based analysis and hybrid retrieval methods, leveraging both embeddings and keyword-based search. The position is part of the RePIM (Revisioning Public Interest Media) Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) Doctoral Network, a four-year initiative dedicated to reimagining the future of public interest media in a data-driven, platform-dominated landscape. RePIM equips doctoral researchers with advanced analytical and managerial skills, fostering strategic innovation and organizational change across European media contexts. The network comprises 12 projects, each contributing to the sustainability and relevance of public interest media. As a PhD student, you will benefit from paid research stays at the EBU in Geneva and Vrije Universiteit Brussel, participate in summer and winter schools, and collaborate closely with other doctoral candidates in the network. You will be affiliated with the Digital Transformation research group at CMI, with opportunities to interact with the Cyber Security and Edge Computing research groups. The department values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in computer engineering, computer science, or data science, with experience in AI, large language models, RAG, data science, embeddings, and software agents. Familiarity with Python, LangChain, LangGraph, MongoDB, Milvus, and Elastic Search is beneficial. Additional knowledge in media science, user experience design, journalism, or communication studies is welcomed. Proof of English proficiency is required. MSCA eligibility rules apply: candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree and must not have resided or worked in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. International mobility and willingness to relocate to Copenhagen are essential. Funding is provided through the MSCA Doctoral Network, offering a full stipend for three years, with salary and terms governed by the Danish AC collective agreement. The position includes paid research stays and internships, fostering both academic and industry experience. To apply, submit your application by email to [email protected] (subject: 'Application for DC3 position'), including your Master's degree certificate, transcripts, motivation letter, CV, proof of English proficiency, and a research reflection. Additional documentation such as translations and certificates is encouraged. The application deadline is March 31, 2026, with interviews scheduled for February and March. The anticipated start date is May 1, 2026. For further details, visit the RePIM project website or contact Associate Professor Jannick Kirk Sørensen. This opportunity offers a unique blend of cutting-edge research, international collaboration, and real-world impact in the evolving field of public service media and AI-driven communication technologies.