Student Jobs

Partially Remote

Required:
-Proficiency in Python and experience working with APIs
-Foundational understanding of NLP and Machine Learning
-Hands-on experience with PyTorch or Hugging Face Transformers
-Comfort with Linux and experience running jobs on a shared computing cluster (e.g., CHTC or equivalent)
-Familiarity with Git and version control
-Strong organizational skills, timely communication, and a high degree of professionalism and sensitivity given the nature of the project
-Must be able to effectively communicate and collaborate via video conferencing and digital channels.

Preferred:
-Experience loading and running open-source LLMs (e.g., Llama 3, Qwen) locally or on a computing cluster
-Conceptual understanding of vector embeddings and RAG architectures
-Experience with parameter-efficient fine-tuning methods such as LoRA or QLoRA
-Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively translate technical concepts to interdisciplinary team members who may not have a computer science background
-Passion and interest in the topics of alcohol and sexual health education

This project focuses on building an intelligent chatbot designed to deliver accurate, accessible, and non-judgmental education regarding alcohol and sexual health. In this role, you will be instrumental in the initial development of the chatbot, and you will also play a critical role in refining the AI by incorporating real-world user feedback.

You will get hands-on experience with state-of-the-art Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, including designing a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipeline and fine-tuning Large Language Models (LLMs). By joining this project, you will gain real-life research experience and create a lasting impact on student health and safety. Furthermore, you will have the unique opportunity to work alongside and learn from an interdisciplinary team of faculty experts from the School of Nursing, the School of Education, and the School of Pharmacy.

Specific Duties:
-AI Development & Architecture: Design and implement a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) framework to ground the chatbot's responses in verified medical and public health documents.
-Model Refinement: Prepare datasets and fine-tune open-source Large Language Models (e.g., Llama 3, Qwen). Continuously iterate and refine the chatbot's performance by incorporating real-world user feedback.
-Programming & Integration: Write clean, well-documented code to integrate the AI models with a backend system and user interface.
-Safety & Evaluation: Conduct rigorous testing of the chatbot's outputs for accuracy, safety, and guardrail compliance to prevent inappropriate or harmful responses.
-Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Actively participate in lab meetings and collaborate effectively with diverse researchers and faculty members.

How to Apply
Please submit the following to apply for this position:

-A brief cover letter (max 1 page) explaining your interest in the project, relevant programming experience, and why you are drawn to this specific topic.
-Your current resume/CV.
-(Optional) A link to a GitHub profile or portfolio demonstrating relevant AI/NLP projects.

-Requires extended periods of stationary work (sitting or standing at a workstation).
-Requires frequent use of computer hardware (monitor, keyboard, mouse) for programming tasks.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

UW-Madison is an Equal Employment, Equal Access Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background-people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: diversity.wisc.edu

Accommodation Statement:

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website:https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/