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Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a comprehensive, global, R1-level research institution with a unique model of experiential learning that combines academic rigor with one of the nation's premier cooperative education programs. Drexel was founded in 1891 to provide educational opportunities for people of all backgrounds. Today, we continue to prepare graduates of diverse backgrounds to become purpose-driven professionals and agents for positive change. Learn more about Drexel and our shared values.

Drexel offers its highly engaged faculty and professional staff a comprehensive and world-class benefits package that includes generous vacation and paid time off as applicable (including civic engagement days), up to an 11% 403(b) Retirement Plan match with immediate vesting, and remote and flexible work options for many roles. Our exceptional medical plans include domestic partner and fertility assistance and our award-winning A Healthier U wellness program. In addition, faculty and professional staff at Drexel enjoy free tuition for themselves and their dependents for Drexel degree programs, certification, and non-certification programs. Drexel also participates in a tuition exchange program for dependents with other higher education institutions. For more information on our extensive benefit offerings, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.

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Part-time Research Assistant

Apply now Job no: 506339
Work type: Part-Time
Location: Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement
Categories: College of Computing and Informatics

Job Summary

Dr. Harry Zhang in the College of Computer & Informatics’ Department of Computer Science seeks a part-time Research Assistant to explore the intersection of Large Language Models (LLMs) and automated planning. The Research Assistant will investigate how LLMs can bridge the gap between natural language requirements and structured formalisms (such as PDDL or temporal logic) to enable autonomous agents to solve complex tasks.

Essential Functions

  • Develop and evaluate prompt engineering or fine-tuning strategies to translate ambiguous human instructions into verifiable symbolic representations.
  • Conduct benchmarking experiments to assess the accuracy and "hallucination" rates of LLMs when generating domain-specific planning models. 
  • Collaborate with the engineering team to integrate these formalization pipelines into our existing planning and execution frameworks. 

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of a HS Diploma or GED. 
  • Strong proficiency in Python and experience with LLM APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic) or open-source frameworks (e.g., Hugging Face, LangChain).
  • Solid understanding of symbolic logic or formal methods.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Currently pursuing a degree (Master's or PhD preferred) in Computer Science, AI, or a related field.
  • Prior experience with Automated Planning (PDDL) or formal verification tools.
  • A track record of research contributions or publications in NLP or Robotics.
  • Familiarity with neuro-symbolic AI approaches that combine deep learning with classical reasoning.

Location

  • Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement

Additional Information
This is a Part-Time Temporary position classified as Non-Exempt. The offered pay is based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Per Diem/Casual/Temporary Benefit Fact Sheet.

 

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

 

#LI-Remote  

#LI-Hybrid 

Advertised: Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Eastern Daylight Time

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