Researcher in Large Language Models and Interactive Avatars

About the project(s)

The research project focuses on the development, evaluation, and deployment of agentic large language models. We aim to create interactive virtual avatars, driven by LLMs, for use in real-world healthcare and educational environments. These avatars will combine natural language processing, behavioral modeling, and embodied interaction through platforms such as Unity, Unreal Engine Metahumans, and NVIDIA Omniverse Digital Humans.

You will work on the full development cycle: from the architecture and orchestration of RAG systems and agentic workflows, to rigorous evaluation of their performance and safety. Your software engineering expertise will also be crucial in deploying these systems in production environments.

Your tasks

• Design and implement agentic LLM systems and RAG pipelines
• Evaluate the performance and reliability of agent-based LLM applications
• Develop and maintain open-source software packages
• Create user-facing interfaces using tools such as Gradio or native Flask applications
• Deploy Python-based applications as services on Linux-based servers, ensuring system security and business continuity
• Collaborate with researchers, domain experts, and users to integrate LLMs into interactive avatars
• Contribute to research publications and project deliverables

Your profile

Requirements:

• A Master’s degree in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, or a related field
• Proven experience with Large Language Models, particularly RAG and agentic LLM frameworks
• Strong skills in software development, including version control, packaging, and deployment
• Experience managing Linux environments and deploying services securely
• Experience with Gradio, Flask, or similar web deployment tools
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken
• Knowledge of Dutch is preferred

Preferred:

• Affinity with virtual avatar platforms such as Unity, Unreal Engine Metahumans, or NVIDIA Digital Humans
• Experience in developing or evaluating interactive systems for healthcare or education
• Familiarity with conversational AI safety, LLM evaluation methods, and user experience research

What we offer:

• A creative, research-driven environment with flexible hybrid working possibilities
• Opportunities for collaboration with national and international partners
• A competitive salary based on the CAO-NU scale, depending on experience and qualifications
• Training and development opportunities tailored to your professional growth
• Possibility to turn into a PhD position after securing sufficient follow up funding with/by the supervision team and following a successful evaluation after 12-18 months.

Salary:

The salary will be determined on the basis of experience and qualifications but will be in accordance with the general salary scale 10 step 0 of the CAO-NU.

The Open Universiteit provides good secondary benefits such as training, mobility, part-time employment, hybrid work and paid parental leave.

Station:

Heerlen or Utrecht. We expect the candidate to be present in Heerlen for an average of 1 day a week.

Flexible studying anywhere in the Netherlands and (Belgium) Flanders
The Open Universiteit is the part-time university in the Netherlands. Students follow personalised and activating academic distance education and disciplinary research is carried out within the various fields of science. Students can complete bachelor and master programmes, but also shorter programmes. The characteristics of education are openness, flexibility and quality (see www.ou.nl/rankings). The Open Universiteit has over 17,000 students and more than 750 employees. The OU has branches in the Netherlands and Belgium (see www.ou.nl/studiecentra). The main office is located in Heerlen.

The latest technologies and educational insights are applied both in the bachelor's and master's programmes and courses and in projects and programmes with partners. Nationally and internationally, the OU plays an important role in the innovation of higher education. Education is interwoven with research, which also ensures that the current state of science is incorporated. The Open Universiteit invests not only in disciplinary research in nine scientific fields, but also in research in a multidisciplinary programme: Innovating for resilience.