Open PhD and Postdocs positions in computational corpus linguistics at CCL

PhD and Postdocs positions in computational corpus linguistics at CCL

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany

The “Computational Corpus Linguistics” (CCL) at the Department of German Language and Literature at FAU led by Prof. Stephanie Evert, invites applications for several open PhD and postdoctoral positions. The positions are aimed at individuals with a strong background in Deep Learning and/or statistical modelling.

Topics

Statistical modelling, deep learning applications, data augmentation, corpus queries & LLM.

• Starting date: The contract will start ASAP (preferably by July 2024) and run for 3 years (65% positions) or until December 14, 2025 (100%, with extension depending on availability of funding).
• Location: Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany.
• Salary: Competitive international annual gross salary following the German TV-L (E 13) scale.
• Application deadline: Sun. April 21, 2024.

Tasks

You will contribute to one or more research projects in the area of computational corpus linguistics.

Depending on qualifications and your preferred topic, different appointments are possible:
• Statistical methods for the multivariate analysis of linguistic variation (65% for 3 years)
• Text mining with corpus queries and LLM (65% for 3 years)
• Development and applications of deep learning models in NLP and legal tech (100% until 12/2025, with possible extension depending on availability of funding)
• Evaluation and analysis of generative LLM (100% until 12/2025, with possible extension depending on availability of funding)

Responsibilities

May include:
• Developing and implementing (Bayesian) statistical models for linguistic data
• Writing and refining sophisticated corpus queries for different phenomena
• Developing novel approaches for integrating corpus queries with LLM classifiers
• Carrying out corpus studies on relevant phenomena
• Implementing, fine-tuning, and optimising deep learning models for a range of different tasks in NLP and legal tech
• Exploring efficient use of training data via data augmentation, few-shot learning, etc.
• Creating and annotating specialised corpora and gold standards
• Supervising manual annotation of gold standards
• Carrying out sound and thorough evaluation of algorithms and NLP applications
• Implementing software tools, libraries/packages, demonstrators, and Web-based UI required for the research projects
• Contributing to the implementation of software tools and packages developed by the CCL group
• Producing research and software documentation
• Testing new approaches and software tools in various applications and case studies
• Analysing data, writing up results, and co-authoring publications
• Presenting research findings at national and international conferences
• Managing project tasks, supervising student assistants, and providing progress reports
• Contributing to self-administration of CCL team, Web presence, etc.

Your Profile

Necessary qualifications
• M.A./M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Computational Linguistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, Computational Humanities, or similar subject area (with very good grade)
• Evidence of strong programming skills, ideally in Python and/or R
• Experience with machine learning in NLP, deep learning, or statistical analysis
• Near-native language skills in German or English
• Very good communication skills in English, including the ability to write for publication and present research findings at meetings and conferences
• Ability to work independently, manage own academic research and associated activities, and to supervise student assistants
• Ability to work effectively in small and large teams

Desirable qualifications
• Evidence of strong mathematical skills
• Evidence of ability to analyse linguistic data
• Experience with creation of corpora and gold standards
• Native-like language skills in German and English
• Experience with development of Web apps in Python/Flask and Web-based UIs

Institutional Values

FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg is committed to international standards, transparent performance agreements, equal opportunity, inclusivity, support for under-represented groups, an inclusive culture, and diversity. The university also prioritizes the needs of dual career couples and is recognized as a family-friendly employer.

Application procedure

Please submit your application by April 21, 2024 sending an email to stephanie.evert[at]fau.de and providing evidence for all relevant qualifications.

Interviews with promising candidates are to be held by teleconference within two weeks after the application deadline.

If you have any questions about the positions, the research projects, or the expected qualifications, please contact Prof. Stephanie Evert at: stephanie.evert[at]fau.de

This call at FAU Jobs: https://www.jobs.fau.de/jobs/phd-candidates-and-postdoctoral-researchers-in-computational-corpus-linguistics-65-or-100-e13-tv-l-starting-asap-91370455/

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More about CCL (Lehrstuhl für Korpus- und Computerlinguistik) at FAU: https://www.linguistik.phil.fau.de/