PhD position in NLP (syntax/semantics)

The Institute for German Language (IDS) and the Institute for Computational Linguistics (ICL) at Heidelberg University aim to fill a vacancy for a Doctoral researcher (Reference number: 3/2015).

Salary is based on the German civil servants pay scale (TV-L 13, 66%). The position is offered for an initial period of two years, with a possible extension for a third year, and, on condition of having completed the doctoral thesis, a further one-year extension for publications and project acquisition.

The doctoral researcher position is embedded within the Leibniz ScienceCampus “Empirical Linguistics and Computational Language Modeling”, a collaborative research project established by the IDS in Mannheim and the ICL at Heidelberg University. The Leibniz ScienceCampus conducts innovative research to support high-quality automatic annotation of large-scale corpus resources of German language through induction of domain-, genre- and variety-adaptive natural language models. The offered position is embedded in Area B. Our aim in Area B is the induction of language processing models that are well-adapted to specific language varieties, genres and domains, realizing a lean semantic analysis of texts across a wider range of text types. For more details on the Leibniz ScienceCampus, see http://www.wisscamp.de/en

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will have an interest in the intersection between machine learning and linguistic structure, and carry out active research in semi-supervised and genre-adaptive modeling of linguistic structure using machine learning models suited for this purpose. Their responsibilities include research within the Leibniz ScienceCampus, publishing in leading conferences within the topics of Area B (supported by a supervisor), and preparing a doctoral thesis within the allotted timeframe. Teaching activity in ICL’s computational linguistics study program is welcome but not compulsory.

Company

Heidelberg University

Qualifications

• Master-level degree in computational linguistics or computer science, with a competitive grade
• Ability to work independently on scientific topics, as well as the willingness to be part of an open and dynamic team of researchers
• Good programming skills in a mainstream programming language (Java, Python or C++)

Language requirements

• Good written and spoken communication skills in English
• Good knowledge of German is a definite advantage (Candidates below C1 level of German will be expected to dedicate some effort to improving their German language knowledge.)

Specific requirements

The position is offered for an initial period of two years, with a possible extension for a third year, and, on condition of having completed the doctoral thesis, a further one-year extension for publications and project acquisition.

Educational level

Master Degree