Researcher in Natural Language Processing

Job description

A position as research fellow in Natural Language Processing (NLP) is available in the Language Technology Group (LTG) within the Section for Machine Learning at the Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Norway. 

Preferred starting date August 1, 2024.

The appointment is for a fulltime position and for a period of three (3) years.

Knowledge development in a changing world - Science and technology towards 2030 

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

More about the position

We seek a highly motivated researcher with a strong track record in NLP. The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate broad knowledge of deep neural architectures as applied to core NLP tasks. The position presupposes a PhD degree or equivalent in Natural Language Processing, or in Computer Science with a clearly NLP-based thesis.

The focus of the position is on event extraction from news reports in the domain of armed conflicts. The work will form part of a new cross-disciplinary research collaboration that also includes researchers from political science and peace- and conflict studies, but the current position is located in the Language Technology Group (LTG) at the University of Oslo, where the research fellow will be joined by several other NLP researchers affiliated with the project.

LTG is an international and diverse group, where current prominent research activities include semantic parsing, event extraction, sentiment analysis, and training large-scale language models. While the research profile of the group is heavily machine-learning oriented, our projects typically combine data-driven approaches with an interest for linguistic analysis and insight. The group has access to excellent HPC infrastructure.

For more information about the Language Technology Group (LTG) at IFI, please see: http://www.mn.uio.no/ifi/english/research/groups/ltg/

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

Qualifications:

• The candidate must have a PhD degree (or other corresponding education equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree) in Natural Language Processing, or in Computer Science with a clearly NLP-based dissertation.
• The doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defense are eligible for appointment.
• Candidates must be fluent in English.
• The successful candidate must have a strong research output in the field, with publications in top-tier NLP venues.
• The candidate must be able to demonstrate broad knowledge of core NLP tasks.
• The candidate must have comprehensive knowledge of contemporary neural machine learning techniques and architectures in NLP, both in terms of theoretical understanding and practical experience.
• Strong programming skills and implementation experience is required.

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

• Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) environments is a plus.
• Previous modeling experience for relevant tasks (e.g. event extraction, information extraction, etc.) will be an advantage, although not a requirement.

Personal skills

• We seek candidates that are highly motivated, open-minded, and scientifically curious.
• Candidates should have the ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are important.
• Candidates should have strong written and verbal communication skills.

We offer

• Salary 584 500 – 745 000 per year depending on qualifications in position as Researcher 1109
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records
• Letters of recommendation
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2–3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)                                            

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

For further information, please contact: Professor Erik Velldal, e-mail: erikve@ifi.uio.no or
Professor Lilja Øvrelid, e-mail: liljao@ifi.uio.no

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser: Therese Ringvold, e-mail: therese.ringvold@mn.uio.no