3 PhD Candidates in Generative AI for Industrial Design Engineering (GenAIDE) Project

PhD Opportunities in Generative AI for Industrial Design Engineering

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) are looking for:

3 PhD Candidates in Generative AI for Industrial Design Engineering (GenAIDE) Project

Why apply?

Generative AI and large-language models (LLMs) are about to turn computer-aided engineering into true human–AI co-design. In the new MSCA Doctoral Network GenAIDE we team up with Honda Research Institute Europe, Altair, MIT and 12 other partners to build an AI Partner in Engineering (AIPE) that converses with engineers, proposes designs, explains its reasoning and even writes new optimisation algorithms to optimize the designs.

We now hire three PhD candidates who will be based at LIACS (Leiden University) and spend several months with industry and academic partners abroad.

The GenAIDE project

GenAIDE (Generative AI for Industrial Design Engineering) is a 48-month MSCA Industrial Doctorate that wants to turn today’s computer-aided engineering tools into proactive team-mates. The network of 16 academic & industrial partners will train 14 PhD fellows (3 of which are to be hired through this call).

What GenAIDE offers you:

• A structured, four-year PhD training programme that mixes:
  • Personalised PhD training paths defined in your Career-Development Plan and backed by the Graduate Schools at each host (Leiden University).
  • International industrial & academic secondments (3–6 months) giving hands-on experience at Altair, Honda Research Institute Europe, MIT, Samaya, MathWorks and others.
  • Network-wide events – several week-long “Science & Skills” summer-schools/workshops that rotate between partners and blend theory, hackathons and career events.
• Dedicated supervision team (academic & industrial)
• ECTS-accredited courses, travel funding to top conferences and continual peer exchange with 13 fellow GenAIDE PhDs spread across Europe and beyond.

In short, GenAIDE is not just a PhD programme, it’s a complete, multi-sector doctoral network that equips you with cutting-edge technical depth and the leadership, entrepreneurial and ethical toolkit to shape the next generation of human-AI design teams.

The 3 Doctoral Candidate positions:

1 – Enhancing Search Parameter–Output Relationships of Generative Shape Optimisation
This project focuses on embedding state-of-the-art LLMs into the set-up stage of generative shape-optimisation algorithms. The aim is to learn more expressive design-variable encodings and establish tighter, more intuitive links between search parameters and the resulting geometry or performance outcomes. The result will be an LLM-driven framework giving designers clearer cause-effect control over generative shape optimisation.

2 – Explainable AI with LLMs for Transparent Decision-Making in Design Engineering
This project combines classic XAI methods with LLM capabilities to generate human-readable explanations during preference-based optimisation. The goal is to improve transparency and trust during collaborative human–AI design sessions. Outcomes include a new LLM-aided XAI toolbox, validated on both academic and industrial design cases, and guidelines for transparent human–AI co-creation.

3 – Automated Algorithm Design using Large Language Models
This project applies LLMs to synthesise or fine-tune optimisation algorithms on demand from modular building blocks, guided by textual task descriptions and engineer preferences. The goal is to create a “LLM-AutoML” framework that produces tailored multi-objective evolutionary algorithms for shape-optimisation problems.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in relevant teaching activities;
• Perform PhD research on one of the above topics and publish in top venues;
• Collaborate closely with the other GenAIDE fellows and industrial partners; complete planned secondments;
• Contribute to the NACO research cluster (naco.liacs.nl);

Selection Criteria

• MSc (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering or a closely related field;
• Solid background in machine learning and/or evolutionary optimisation; strong programming skills (Python/C++);
• Proven interest in generative models, XAI, optimisation or CAD is a plus;
• Excellent command of English; willingness to work in an international, multi-sector environment;
• MSCA eligibility: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment and must not yet hold a PhD;

Research at our faculty

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow.

Terms and conditions

We offer a full-time 1-year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary ranges from € 3.059,- to € 3.881,- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

D&I statement

Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research are inclusive.

Information
Enquiries can be made to Dr Niki van Stein, LIACS, n.van.stein@liacs.leidenuniv.nl If you have any questions about the procedure, please send an email to: jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl