Self-evolving AI (LLM) Software System

About the Project

Software systems are eating the world but Artificial intelligence (AI) is eating the software systems. When we are using AI or Large Language Model (LLM), we rarely use the model/algorithm directly. Very often, we are using a software system built on top of an AI/LLM algorithm. This is the new type of AI (LLM) software system that we will be using every day in the future. However, due to the complexity of AI and classic large-scale software technologies, engineering such software systems in a reliable and high-quality manner is very challenging. Yet, if we imagine that in the future, AI can automatically create new AI software systems, helping developers to make decisions, and improving the quality of AI (LLM) software systems, what would the future look like? If you are interested in being involved in such an exciting project, please read on.

This project will strike at the most fundamental problem of engineering AI (LLM) software systems from a perspective of both software system engineering and AI theory, designing cutting-edge, neural-symbolic AI solutions for automatically building new kinds of AI systems. The specific tasks are vast, including automatic AI algorithms/code generation, automatic AI/code testing, and automatic improvement on the performance of AI systems. The potential PhD candidate will be working such the world’s first research project, leading to highly impactful outcomes that can shape the future of human lives. The deliverable of the project can be of diverse forms, including methodology, algorithms, or the actual prototype of the tool, depending on the identified nature of the research. You will work in a group of 8 PhD students under close supervision with the chance to work with several industrial collaborators of the group. We offer generous support and a friendly environment. The ideal candidate should have knowledge of AI and/or SE. Interested applicants are strongly advised to contact Dr. Chen (t.chen@bham.ac.uk) to discuss more details. More information can be found on the IDEAS lab (https://ideas-labo.github.io/).

When contacting, please send over three information: (1) your CV; (2) a research proposal; and (3) why you would like to join the group.

Eligibility:

First undergraduate degree and/or postgraduate degree with Distinction (or an international equivalent). The applicant should have a degree on Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and/or Software Engineering. Applicants with peer-reviewed publications are strongly encouraged to apply. We also welcome applicants with a self-funded basis.

Application can be made here: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/computer-science/postgraduate-research/applying-for-phd-in-computer-science