We are seeking a skilled postdoctoral fellow (PDF) whose expertise intersects automatic speech recognition (ASR) and human-robot interaction (HRI). The PDF will work with a team of internationally recognized researchers to create an automated speech-based dialogue system between computers and robotic systems, and individuals with dementia and other cognitive impairments. These systems will automatically adapt the vocabularies, language models, and acoustic models of the component ASR to data collected from individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, this system will analyze the linguistic and acoustic features of a user’s voice to infer the user’s cognitive and linguistic abilities, and emotional state. These abilities and mental states will in turn be used to adapt a speech output system to be more tuned to the user.

Work will involve programming, data analysis, dissemination of results (e.g., papers and conferences), and partial supervision of graduate and undergraduate students. Some data collection may also be involved.

The successful applicant will have:

1)            A doctoral degree in a relevant field of computer science, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, or a relevant discipline;

2)            Evidence of impact in research through a strong publication record in relevant venues;

3)            Evidence of strong collaborative skills, including possibly supervision of junior researchers, students, or equivalent industrial experience;

4)            Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills;

5)            A strong technical background in machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and human-computer interaction.

This work will be conducted at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, which is affiliated with the University of Toronto.

--== About the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute ==--

One of North America’s leading rehabilitation sciences centres, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI) is revolutionizing rehabilitation by helping people overcome the challenges of disabling injury, illness ,or age-related health conditions to live active, healthier, more independent lives. It integrates innovative patient care, ground-breaking research and diverse education to build healthier communities and advance the role of rehabilitation in the health system.  TRI, along with Toronto Western, Toronto General, and Princess Margaret Hospitals, is a member of the University Health Network and is affiliated with the University of Toronto.

If interested, please send a brief (1-2 page) statement of purpose, an up-to-date resume, and contact information for 3 references to Alex Mihailidis (alex.milhailidis@utoronto.ca) and Frank Rudzicz (frank@cs.toronto.edu) by 31 July 2013. The position will remain open until filled.

Frank Rudzicz, PhD.

   Scientist, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute;

   Assistant professor, Department of Computer Science,

         University of Toronto;

   Founder and Chief Science Officer, Thotra Incorporated

>> http://www.cs.toronto.edu/~frank (personal)

>> http://spoclab.ca  (lab)