PhD in Computational Modeling: Embark on a transformative 4-year journey in computational linguistics and language acquisition with a salaried PhD position at the University of Groningen. Join the project “Polyglot Machines: Human-like Learning of Morphologically Rich Languages,” funded by a NWO-VIDI Talent Grant. Dive into interdisciplinary research at the intersection of Computational Linguistics/Natural Language Processing, Computational Psycholinguistics, and Language Acquisition.
PhD in Low-Resource Natural Language Processing & Computational Modeling of Language Learning (1.0) (V24.0068)
Study Area: Computational Linguistics, Natural Language Processing, Computational Psycholinguistics, Language Acquisition
Location: University of Groningen, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Master’s degree in computational linguistics, artificial intelligence, computer science, information science, or a related area.
- Excellent communication and academic writing skills in English.
- Team player mindset with an aptitude for interdisciplinary research.
- Mandatory machine learning skills.
- Strongly desired: experience with training and/or designing neural networks for language processing tasks.
- Plus: research experience in low-resource NLP and/or modeling of morphologically rich languages.
Description: The project focuses on improving language modeling for low-resource morphologically rich languages, drawing inspiration from child language acquisition insights. The research will employ an artificial language learning paradigm to simulate the learning of diverse languages, evaluating the impact of child-directed language properties on morphology acquisition. Potential research directions include better input segmentation methods, language acquisition-inspired curriculum learning, and leveraging existing language resources for low-resource settings. The PhD project provides a unique opportunity to work internationally within the Computational Linguistics group at the Centre for Language and Cognition of the University of Groningen.
How to Apply:
- Prepare three PDF files:
- CV
- Master thesis (and selected publication if available)
- Other documents (including a short statement, research proposal, copies of Master’s degree and grades, and contact details of two academic referees)
- Submit your application by March 11, 2024, 11:59 PM (CET) using the online application form on the university website.
Last Date:
- Application deadline: March 11, 2024, 11:59 PM (CET)
- Interviews with shortlisted candidates: Second or third week of April 2024
Conditions of Employment:
- Salaried position: €2,770 to €3,539 gross per month (full-time)
- 8% gross annual income holiday allowance
- 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance
- Temporary 1.0 FTE appointment for four years, with a review after the first 12 months
- Expected to conduct 0.4 FTE teaching in the second, third, and fourth years
- Work-life balance and willingness to move and reside in the Netherlands
- Appointment commences in September 2024, allowing 3 months for VISA applications.
Note: Incomplete applications may be desk rejected. The University of Groningen encourages applicants from underrepresented groups to apply.
Information:
- For submission procedure inquiries: Drs. Merel Lobo, clcg@rug.nl
- For project information: Dr. Arianna Bisazza, A.Bisazza@rug.nl
- Diversity policy webpage
