Student Assistant: AI Developer for DICE 2.0

Hours: Average 8 hours per week, highly flexible
Location: Utrecht University (Department of Chemistry)
Period: From July 2026, for 6 to 14 months (earlier or later start in consultation)
Contact: Thomas Hartman (t.hartman@uu.nl)

About the project: DICE 2.0

We are building on the success of our educational chemistry game: DICE. In this game, students learn about catalysis in an interactive, scientific discovery-based environment.

For DICE 2.0, we are expanding this concept: we are adding more content on sustainable chemistry, and the interactions with NPCs will be (partially) driven by an AI chatbot. These Socratic AI assistants will coach students by asking critical questions and guiding them through in-game missions. To successfully integrate and program this AI chatbot into our game, we need your expertise!

Your responsibilities

Together with researchers and educators, you will translate our pedagogical vision into a working AI system: * You will work on the integration between the Unity WebGL frontend and the Python backend. * You will program the Python logic used to control and filter the Socratic AI via APIs (e.g., Azure/OpenAI), focusing on Prompt Engineering. * You will manage the data transfer (via JavaScript/WebSockets) between the browser-based game and the server.

Who are we looking for?

You are a Bachelor’s or Master’s student in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), or a related IT program at Utrecht University. Furthermore: * You have experience with Unity (C#) and are familiar with WebGL. * You are proficient in Python (experience with frameworks such as FastAPI or Flask is a plus). * You have a basic knowledge of JavaScript (experience with React is a plus). * You understand how to integrate and secure web APIs. * You enjoy thinking about Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): how can an AI communicate with a student in a natural, educational manner? * You can work well independently and enjoy collaborating within a multidisciplinary team (chemists, educational scientists, and IT specialists).

What do we offer?

A challenging and flexible student assistant position with plenty of room for personal initiative: * Hours are highly flexible and can be scheduled in consultation to fit around your studies. * Salary is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities (Scale SA). * You will contribute to innovative educational methods and AI applications. *Scientific Impact: Opportunity to contribute to (and be co-author of) scientific publications regarding AI in education. * Collaboration within an enthusiastic and driven project team.

Interested?

Please contact Thomas Hartman (t.hartman@uu.nl). The vacancy will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.