Kshitij Sharma

The Department of Computer Science at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a PhD Candidate position in Multi-Agent Communication to Enhance Human Learning. This opportunity is part of the newly established AI Centre for the Empowerment of Human Learning (AI LEARN), a national initiative dedicated to advancing responsible, human-centered artificial intelligence to empower learning in society. The centre is funded through a significant government investment in AI and aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, foundational research, and responsible innovation. The PhD project is associated with the Technological Advancement cluster of AI LEARN and focuses on developing advanced, human-centered AI technologies to support and enhance human learning. The successful candidate will design, develop, and evaluate multi-agent systems and communication protocols, aiming to create innovative educational technologies and adaptive learning experiences. Research activities will include training AI models using supervised and unsupervised methods (such as Retrieval-Augmented Generation, Low-Rank Adaptation, Direct Preference Optimization, and Reinforcement Learning from Human/AI Feedback), conducting participatory design workshops, implementing services and interfaces, planning and executing case studies, and analyzing empirical data from collaborations with schools and public/private sector partners. The position is based in the Software Engineering research group at NTNU and offers a dynamic, international research environment. The PhD candidate will participate in collaborative activities within the AI LEARN centre, attend international conferences, and contribute to dissemination and communication efforts. The employment period is three years, with the possibility of extension to a fourth year if the candidate undertakes additional duties. The gross annual salary is normally NOK 550,800, with a 2% deduction for the State Pension Fund. The position is conditional on external funding. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Computer Science or a closely related field (with a focus on Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or Learning Technology), corresponding to a five-year Norwegian program with 120 credits at the master's level. Candidates must have a strong academic record (average grade B or better), solid knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and excellent written and oral English skills (with specific minimum test scores required). If not proficient in Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish at level A2, candidates must complete Norwegian language courses during employment. Admission to the IE faculty Doctoral Programme in Computer Science is required within three months of employment. Preferred qualifications include research assistant experience, relevant publications, and presentation skills in Norwegian/Scandinavian. NTNU offers a supportive and inclusive work environment, career guidance, and access to employee benefits. The university values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The position is located in Trondheim, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural scene, excellent quality of life, and strong technology sector. To apply, submit your application electronically via Jobbnorge.no, including all required documents (transcripts, diplomas, CV, thesis, essay, cover letter, publications, and references) by the deadline of 12 December 2025. For questions about the position, contact Professor Kshitij Sharma at [email protected].

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is seeking candidates for both PhD and postdoctoral positions in the field of Artificial Intelligence, specifically focusing on the development of AI agents and their application to enhance human learning. These positions are part of the Norwegian AI Center (AI Learn) and involve research on multi-agent communication and experimentation with students to improve educational outcomes. The research will center on designing, implementing, and evaluating AI-driven systems that facilitate human learning, with a strong emphasis on multi-agent systems, machine learning, and educational technology. Candidates will have the opportunity to work in a vibrant academic environment, collaborating with leading experts in AI and education technology. Applicants should have a solid background in computer science, artificial intelligence, or related disciplines. For the PhD position, a master's degree in a relevant field is required, while the postdoctoral position requires a completed PhD. Experience with AI agents, multi-agent systems, or educational technology is highly desirable. Proficiency in English and strong communication skills are expected. While specific funding details are not provided in the announcement, NTNU typically offers fully funded positions with competitive salaries and benefits according to Norwegian standards. Interested candidates are encouraged to consult the official calls for precise information regarding funding, eligibility, and application procedures. To apply, candidates should review the official calls linked in the announcement and submit their applications through the NTNU or Jobbnorge online portals, ensuring all required documents are prepared and submitted as per the instructions. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, AI agents, Human Learning, Multi-Agent Systems, Education Technology, Machine Learning.

The Department of Computer Science at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a PhD Candidate position focused on Multi-Agent Communication to Enhance Human Learning. This opportunity is part of the newly established AI Centre for the Empowerment of Human Learning (AI LEARN), a national initiative dedicated to advancing responsible, human-centered artificial intelligence in education. AI LEARN aims to create an internationally leading interdisciplinary hub for foundational research, innovation, governance, and capacity building in AI for learning. The PhD project is associated with the Technological Advancement cluster of AI LEARN and seeks to develop state-of-the-art multi-agent communication protocols and innovative educational technologies. The research will involve designing, developing, and evaluating AI models and agents, as well as multi-agent networks that support and improve human learning outcomes. Key technical approaches include semi-autonomous interaction (single-shot and multi-turn), supervised and unsupervised fine-tuning of models (such as Retrieval-Augmented Generation, Low-Rank Adaptation, Direct Preference Optimization, and Reinforcement Learning from Human/AI Feedback), and extensive empirical experimentation with collaborating partners in schools and public/private sectors. The successful candidate will join the Software Engineering research group and participate in a range of activities, including literature review, participatory design workshops, service and interface implementation, case studies, empirical data collection and analysis, report and article writing, conference attendance, and dissemination within the AI LEARN centre. Collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher is expected to establish frameworks and technologies for interactive and adaptive learning experiences. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Computer Science or a closely related field (Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Learning Technology), with a strong academic record (B or better on NTNU's scale). Good written and oral English skills are required, with specific minimum scores for TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge exams. Solid knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods is essential. Candidates lacking proficiency in Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish at level A2 must complete Norwegian courses during employment. Preferred qualifications include research assistant experience, relevant publications, and presentation skills in Norwegian/Scandinavian. The position offers a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800, favorable pension terms, working capital for project implementation, and access to NTNU's employee benefits. The employment period is three years, with a possible extension to a fourth year for career promotion work. NTNU values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The university is located in Trondheim, a vibrant city known for its tech industry, cultural scene, and high quality of life. To apply, submit your application and required documents electronically via Jobbnorge.no by December 12, 2025. For questions about the position, contact Professor Kshitij Sharma at [email protected].

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is offering a PhD position in Multi-Agent Communication to Enhance Human Learning within the Department of Computer Science, located in Trondheim, Norway. This opportunity is part of the newly established AI Centre for the Empowerment of Human Learning (AI LEARN), a national initiative dedicated to advancing responsible, human-centered artificial intelligence to empower learning in society. The centre aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, address societal challenges, and drive innovation in AI technologies for education and beyond. The PhD project is associated with the Technological Advancement cluster of AI LEARN and focuses on developing state-of-the-art multi-agent communication protocols and innovative educational technologies. The successful candidate will design, develop, and evaluate systems and models that enhance human learning through AI, including the creation of multi-agent networks and adaptive learning experiences. Research activities will involve training AI agents using supervised and unsupervised methods, such as Retrieval-Augmented Generation, Low-Rank Adaptation, Direct Preference Optimization, and Reinforcement Learning from Human/AI Feedback. Extensive experiments will be conducted in collaboration with schools and public/private sector partners, with a strong emphasis on empirical data analysis. The position is embedded in the Software Engineering research group and offers a dynamic, international research environment. Duties include literature review, participatory design workshops, service and interface implementation, case study planning, data collection and analysis, report and article writing, conference attendance, and dissemination activities within the AI LEARN centre. The candidate will also collaborate with a postdoc to establish frameworks and technologies for interactive, adaptive learning experiences. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Computer Science or a closely related field, with a focus on Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or Learning Technology. The degree must be equivalent to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at the master's level. Strong academic performance (B or better on the NTNU scale) and proficiency in English (TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge CAE/CPE) are required. Solid knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods is essential. Candidates lacking proficiency in Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish at level A2 must complete Norwegian courses during employment. Preferred qualifications include research assistant experience, relevant publications, and presentation skills in Norwegian/Scandinavian. Personal qualities such as independence, teamwork, analytical skills, and motivation are highly valued. The position offers a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800, favorable pension terms, working capital for project implementation, and access to employee benefits. The employment period is three years, with a possible extension to four years for candidates engaging in duty work. Admission to the PhD programme in Computer Science is required within three months of starting the contract. NTNU provides a supportive, inclusive, and diverse working environment, with a strong commitment to equality and career development. Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no by January 12, 2026, including all required documents: transcripts, diplomas, academic CV, master's thesis, short essay, cover letter, publications, and references. For questions about the position, contact Professor Kshitij Sharma at [email protected]. For recruitment process inquiries, contact HR at [email protected]. The city of Trondheim offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent welfare services, and a high quality of life for residents.