Forskare i språkteknologi/datalingvistik (engelsk annons)

Diary id: PAR 2018/1576

Employment level: Time limited employment (temporary)

Location: Department of Swedish

The position focus: identification of early signs of cognitive abnormalities in language

The Swedish Language Bank (SB) is a nationally and internationally acknowledged research unit at the Department of Swedish, University of Gothenburg, established in 1975. Our work focuses on Language Technology (LT), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computational Linguistics (CL), primarily for the Swedish language, and the development of linguistic resources and tools for Swedish. SB is the coordinating partner of the research project "Linguistic and extra-linguistic parameters for early detection of cognitive impairment" (a project funded by a grant from the Sweden's central bank). The successful applicant will conduct research in this project. The research will be conducted in collaboration with researchers from the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy in Gothenburg and the University of Toronto, Canada. More information about the project's current activities and line of research is available on the website: https://spraakbanken.gu.se/eng/alz-rj.

Job assignments

The successful applicant will conduct research in NLP/CL and/or automatic speech processing (ASP) in order to develop, analyze, and implement methods for processing and analysis of available spoken and transcribed data samples from people with mild and subjective forms of cognitive impairment as well as healthy controls. In particular, you will be using machine learning and other related techniques (deep learning) and develop, evaluate and deploy classification models and tools for experimenting with the data acquired from people with various early stages of cognitive impairment as outlined above (i.e. differentiating the different groups and/or identifying early cognitive abnormalities such as atypical language production, that precede the onset of dementia, especially Alzheimer's). Available data has been collected in two separate occasions in 2016 and 2018 with exactly the same population (roughly 90 subjects). We collaborate by regular meetings in which you take active part in the discussion and present results. Your work contributes to scientific progress which is presented in jointly published journal papers, and in national and international conferences.

Qualifications

We are seeking a candidate who on a personal level is independent and self-motivated. Proof of research and scientific writing skills must be provided with the application (i.e. CV and relevant publications). The details of the project can be adjusted based on the candidate's skills and interests. At minimum, the candidate must possess a Ph.D. degree in language technology, preferably in computer science with a strong focus on NLP/CL and/or ASP, and preferably with a specialization in prior work related to mental and neurological impairments (e.g. aphasia); a documented record of work performed in these or closely related areas (e.g. relevant publications) is highly valued and a strong merit. The degree should generally not be older than six years at the time of the application

We also encourage candidates to apply even when the PhD defense is scheduled during the rest of 2018 or early 2019 (in that case, please attach a certificate from the main supervisor stating when the defense is scheduled). Applicants with a degree obtained earlier than the stipulated six years may be preferred if special reasons exists. Special reasons in this context include, but are not limited to, leave due to parental leave.

Employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment of 100% for 1 year, with placement at the Department of Swedish language. First day of employment; 2019-01-01 or by agreement.

Assessment

The assessment of your application will be based mainly on your scientific skills. You are expected to provide evidence of excellence in research. In the assessment of scientific proficiency, special attention will be paid to your relevant NLP/CL/ASP work with the targeted population which should be primarily documented by publications. Quality is to be attached greater weight than the accumulated output of scientific papers. The main considerations in ranking candidates will be quality of their scientific track record and how central their previous research is to the research questions of the outlined project. Excellent skills regarding scientific communication in English, a high degree of independence and a developed way of critical thinking are also expected.

For further information regarding the position

If you have questions regarding the position please contact: Dimitrios Kokkinakkis, Researcher email: dimitrios.kokkinakis@svenska.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg: http://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job-opportunities/union-representatives

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application. If you have any problems or questions, regarding the recruitment system, please contact rekrytering@gu.se

The application must include:
?a short, maximum one to two pages, curriculum vitae (CV)
?a copy of the diploma or certificate to doctoral studies are completed
?a list of scientific papers (academic thesis; and possibly other published writings)
?other documents you wish to refer to that track and that can have significant impact on the assessment
?a brief statement (maximum one page) about your own research you want to pursue in the project

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The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salary is determined on an individual basis.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.

Varaktighet 6 månader eller längre