Postdoctoral fellowship in neuroscience for speech recognition

We are seeking a skilled postdoctoral fellow (PDF) whose expertise intersects automatic speech recognition (ASR) and neuroscience to develop a next-generation model of speech production.

Approximately 10% of North Americans have some sort of communication disorder. It is imperative that technology is used to mitigate difficulties these individuals have in being understood. This research involves building a model of how speech is produced physically and in the brain, and translating it directly into automatic speech recognition. Specifically, we propose to build an advanced neural network that relates words and phrases across electroencephalographic (EEG) data, acoustic data, and measurements of how the important articulators in speech (e.g., the lips and tongue) move. This model of speech production will be built from data recorded with people with cerebral palsy and healthy controls.

The PDF will work with a team of internationally recognized researchers in computer science, speech-language pathology, and neuroscience. 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 will also be involved.

The successful applicant will have:

1)      A doctoral degree in a relevant field of computer science, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, 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 and the University of Toronto.

About the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute

One of North America’s leading rehabilitation sciences centres, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute 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.  Toronto Rehab, along with Toronto Western, Toronto General and Princess Margaret Hospitals, is a member of the University Health Network and affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Applicants should send 1) a full CV, 2) a representative sample of their work, and 3) a 1-page statement of purpose to Frank Rudzicz at frank@cs.toronto.edu by 1 December 2013.