New

Part-Time AI Research Assistant - Interpretable and Verifiable AI (LLM-to-Logic Translation) - Saha

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Oct 31, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS Computer Science and Engineering is seeking applicants for a part-time AI Research Assistant - Interpretable and Verifiable AI (LLM-to-Logic Translation). Job Description: We are seeking a part-time research assistant to serve as an AI Research Assistant for a funded project on Interpretable and Verifiable AI for Structured Decision Making. The position involves developing lightweight AI frameworks that translate natural language into formal logic using large language models (LLMs), structured prompting, and self-critique. This work supports the design of transparent, verifiable AI systems for planetary and exoplanetary mission reasoning. The ideal candidate is a motivated researcher with strong skills in AI, natural language processing, and logic-based reasoning. This role provides an opportunity to contribute to an interdisciplinary project that bridges computer science, artificial intelligence, and scientific data interpretation. Key Responsibilities: Assist in developing and testing AI pipelines that translate natural language into formal logic. Review and analyze NASA and ESA mission documents to extract structured conditional statements. Conduct experiments using large language models (e.g., GPT, LLaMA) for logic translation and self-verification. Design and evaluate microprompting templates and self-critique strategies. Implement and validate clause-extraction and logic-mapping components using Python and NLP libraries (e.g., spaCy, transformers). Document findings, contribute to publications, and present preliminary results. Qualifications & Skills: U.S. citizenship required due to grant requirements. Strong background in Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, or Computational Linguistics. Familiarity with formal logic, symbolic reasoning, or knowledge representation. Proficiency in Python and experience with AI/ML libraries (PyTorch, Hugging Face, spaCy, etc.). Experience reading and summarizing research papers in AI or computational linguistics. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and writing skills. Prior experience with LLM-based research or tool development is desirable. Position Details: Pay Rate: $18/hour Hours per Week: Up to 20 hours Duration: Mid-December - Mid-April (4 months) Location: Remote or on-campus at Penn State University Supervisor: Dr. Suman Saha and Dr. Mahfuza Farooque, Department of Computer Science & Engineering How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit the following with their application: A resume or CV highlighting relevant coursework or projects. A brief statement (300 words) describing your experience with machine learning, logic, or LLM-based research. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 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