Researcher with PhD in Data Science and Natural Language Processing for Agent-based Architectures

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) has opened a full time (100%) position for a Researcher with PhD in Data Science and Natural Language Processing for Agent-based Architectures at the Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI) located in Lugano, within the Institute of Information Systems and Networking (ISIN). Contract start 1st November 2025 or date to be agreed upon.

Scope and purpose of the position

The purpose of this position is to support research and development activities aimed at advancing data science, natural language processing, and agent-based artificial intelligence technologies in the construction sector. The selected candidate will contribute to the design and implementation of AI-based solutions to automate complex tasks and improve decision-making processes. The role involves close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including academic researchers, software engineers, and industry partners, with the goal of translating cutting-edge research into practical applications tailored to the specific needs of the construction sector.

Responsibilities and activities

The selected candidate will join research groups focused on the development of data-driven and agent-based artificial intelligence applications for the construction sector. In particular:

• Conducts research and development activities on the application of data science, machine learning, Natural Language Processing, and AI agents to the construction sector.
• Collaborates with R&D teams to carry out projects aimed at automating specific tasks in the construction domain, working closely with software engineers, researchers, and industry partners.
• Cooperates with interdisciplinary teams to integrate NLP technologies into practical, domain-specific applications.
• Designs and develops AI-based systems, applying state-of-the-art techniques in machine learning, transformers, and large language models (LLMs).

Requirements

The ideal candidate possesses the following essential qualifications; any additional qualifications will be considered a plus. Essential requirements:

• PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or related fields.
• A strong publication record in relevant areas such as machine learning, natural language processing, or artificial intelligence.
• Solid experience with deep learning libraries and data science tools, particularly advanced expertise in deep learning, natural language processing, and transformers, using frameworks such as PyTorch Lightning, TensorFlow/Keras, Hugging Face Transformers, OpenNMT, SpaCy, AllenNLP, and SentenceTransformers, as well as tools for text data processing and analysis like NLTK, LangChain, and Haystack. Experience in working with pre-trained language models and in adapting LLMs through fine-tuning, prompt engineering, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques.
• Ability to work independently and meet project deadlines, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team.

Preferred requirements:

• Experience with AI agents and agent-based artificial intelligence paradigms, including aspects of planning, reasoning, and multi-agent systems.

We offer

• Fixed-term employment contract, with the possibility of extension.
• Involvement in cutting-edge research projects with national-level industrial partners.
• Attractive salary, aligned with Swiss standards and the candidate’s experience.

Additional Information

For further information, please contact: Omran Ayoub and Daniele Puccinelli

Candidates must submit the following documents in English:

• Curriculum vitae with a list of publications and, if available, a link to the PhD thesis
• Copies of academic degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD, if available) and transcripts with grades
• List of two references (including email addresses)
• Motivation letter, including a brief description of previous research experience and future interests (1–2 pages)

In addition to the documents to be sent at the time of online application, additional documentation (criminal record, copy of an identity document) may be requested at a later date.

Applications will be considered only if submitted electronically by 30 September 2025, through the appropriate form. Applications that are incomplete, submitted to other addresses, or submitted beyond the deadline, will be not accepted.