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SCP 7711 Large Language Models Research Assistant

University of Exeter Internships
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Job Summary

 

The ITE sub-department at the University has an opportunity for a student to conduct a focused feasibility study investigating the potential of Large Language Models (LLMs) to transform how innovators, entrepreneurs, and designers interact with patent information. You will play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of LLMs in simplifying the complex process of searching and understanding patent documents, ultimately contributing to improved accessibility of intellectual property knowledge. Your findings will provide critical insights into the practical application of cutting-edge AI technology within the realm of innovation and intellectual property.

 

This role is part of the Student Campus Partnership (SCP) scheme and offers 5 hours of work per week between June-July 2025. You can work flexibly and on a remote basis (in the UK).

 

Key Dates

 

Closing Date: 29/5/25

Interview Date: TBC

Start Date: From 16/6/25

Duration: 35 hours

 

Pay: £14.12 per hour (includes rolled in holiday pay)

 

 

Purpose of the Role

 

This project aims to explore the feasibility of using large language models (LLMs) to enhance how innovators, entrepreneurs, and designers search for and understand patent information. Patent databases are often difficult to navigate, requiring complex keyword searches and technical expertise. LLMs have the potential to simplify this process by enabling natural language queries and generating clearer explanations of patent content. The student researcher will conduct a feasibility study to assess how effectively LLMs can interpret and summarise patents. Their responsibilities will include collecting a sample of patents, designing relevant queries, and testing how well the LLM extracts key information, such as claims, technical terms, and novelty descriptions. The student will evaluate the model’s accuracy, clarity, and limitations, documenting both strengths and challenges. By the end of the project, the student will deliver a short report summarising their findings, highlighting the potential and limitations of using LLMs for patent exploration. This feasibility study will provide valuable insights into the practicality of applying LLMs to improve patent accessibility.

 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Your key duties and responsibilities will include:

  • Patent Sample Collection: Collect relevant and representative sample of patent documents for the feasibility study.
  • Query Design and Testing: Developing a range of natural language queries designed to test the LLM's ability to understand and extract specific information from patents.
  • LLM Evaluation: Systematically evaluating the LLM's performance in interpreting patent content, identifying key information such as claims, technical terminology, and novelty descriptions.
  • Limitations Identification: Identifying and documenting any limitations or challenges encountered in using the LLM for patent exploration.
  • Report Generation: Preparing a report summarising the findings of the feasibility study, highlighting both the potential benefits and limitations of using LLMs for patent accessibility.

 

 

Training and Development - What Skills and Experience will this Opportunity Provide?

 

Research and Project Management Experience: This role provides hands-on experience in the entire research lifecycle, from defining research questions and designing methodologies to data collection, analysis, and report writing.

 

Specific Skills Development: 

  • Large Language Model Interaction
  • Patent Information Analysis
  • Information Retrieval and Analysis
  • Technical Communication

 

Potential for Progression: For a highly motivated and successful candidate who demonstrates exceptional aptitude and a strong contribution to the project, there may be potential for further involvement in related research initiatives or collaborations within our organisation or network.

 

You will be asked to complete the university’s mandatory online training in: 

  • Prevent Duty - Inclusive, Cohesive and Safe Universities 
  • Equality and Diversity Introduction 
  • Health and Safety Introduction 
  • Information Governance

 

Support Available

  • Regular meetings with the line manager will ensure that enough support is provided to the intern. 

 

The Benefits

  • Flexible/remote working
  • Reference
  • LinkedIn recommendation
  • Social activities with colleagues

 

About You (Person Specification)

 

Degree and Attainment

  • Ideally, you will be a Master's student working towards or about to finish (this summer) a degree in design-related disciplines. 

 

Skills

  • Good computer competencies
  • Good verbal/written communication skills

 

Personal Qualities and Attributes

  • Independent and Self-Motivated
  • Open-mindedness
  • Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

 

Knowledge

  • A general understanding of large language models.
  • A general understanding of patents is desired.

 

 

About the University Department

The ITE sub-department is made of three distinct teams of academic experts that are related to Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Circular Economy, and Digital Economy. Despite the differences in the core expertise we have, our core values reflect our aspiration to be recognised internationally for leading debate, deepening our understanding of and influencing change in how innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship support economic, social, and environmental development in the world. 

 

 

Student Campus Partnership (SCP) Scheme Requirements

 

  • Applicants must have current student status or proof of an acceptance on a degree at the University of Exeter.
  • Applicants must be a student for the full duration of the internship.
  • The University of Exeter is committed to developing an environment which promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity and inclusivity.  
  • The University of Exeter is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to attracting and recruiting people with disabilities and retaining and supporting staff with disabilities. If an applicant declares a disability and meets all the essential criteria, they will be invited to interview.
  • We are committed to creating an inclusive culture and engage with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark) and LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion).
  • We welcome applications from all eligible students and in particular those from underrepresented groups. Selection and recruitment itself will be based entirely on merit alone unless there are multiple applicants demonstrating equal merit. In this clear circumstance, preference would be shown to applicants from under-represented groups. This is in line with lawful positive action measures under sections 158 and 159 of the Equality Act 2010.
  • All applicants are required to provide their employer with proof of their Right to Work in the UK before they start work. You can find information on the Paid Time pages.
  • All interns need to reside in the UK whilst undertaking this role.
  • Undergraduate students can work a maximum of 15 hours per week in term-term or full-time hours in vacation.
  • Full time Postgraduate students can work a maximum of 6 hours per week and no more than 180 hours per year, this includes those working already working as Postgraduate Teaching Assistants (PTA). You may work more hours with written permission from your academic.
  • You can check here for further details on the Scheme eligibility.

 

How to Apply

 

  • Please download and complete the attached 2024-25 Internship Application Form and upload to the job on Handshake. Please make sure you have downloaded the latest copy of the Internship Application Form. 
  • Guidance and useful tips for completing your application are found on the Internship Application Form. 
  • Refer to the job details contained within the advert when writing your personal statement.
  • Use the STAR approach to evidence each requirement in the Person Specification. 
  • You should insert the correct reference code on the application form: SCP 7711 
  • Please save your Internship Application Form as ‘your surname - your forename - SCP 7711’ 
  • The University is a Disability Confident employer and as such this policy applies to recruitment through the Internship Schemes. Applicants who identify a disability on the application form will be offered an interview if their application demonstrates they meet the essential criteria. 
  • Please also include details of reasonable adjustments you may need for an interview or to undertake the role. 
  • You should explain why you would like to work for the employing organisation and why you think you would be a suitable candidate for this role. 

 

Further Guidance and Support

 

  • You can refer to the My Career Zone Digital resources on application and interview preparation here.   
  • If you need support with your application, you can book an appointment with a Career Zone Advisor by emailing careers@exeter.ac.uk. 
  • Unless stated, interview expenses will not be paid.
  • It is recommended that you check your online presence on social media to ensure it represents you well, as some employers may undertake online research of their applicants. 
  • If you have any questions, you can email the Internships Team at internships@exeter.ac.uk