Research Assistant/Associate in Statistical Spoken Dialogue Systems (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a research position in statistical spoken dialogue systems in the Dialogue Systems Group at the Cambridge University Engineering Department. The position is sponsored by Toshiba Cambridge Research Laboratory.

The main focus of the work will be on the development of techniques and algorithms for implementing robust statistical dialogue systems which can support conversations ranging over very wide, potentially open, domains. The work will extend existing techniques for belief tracking and decision making by distributing classifiers and policies over the corresponding ontology.

The successful candidate will have good mathematical skills and be familiar with machine learning. S/he will have the ability to design tests and experiments and to design and develop new methods and algorithms to address research objectives and find solutions. Preference will be given to candidates with specific understanding of Bayesian methods and reinforcement learning, experience in spoken dialogue systems, and strong software engineering skills. Candidates with good communication and writing skills and knowledge of semantic web, OWL and ontologies will be at an advantage. Candidates should have, or will shortly have, a PhD in an area related to speech technology. However, candidates with comparable research experience are also encouraged to apply.

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the leading groups in statistical speech and language processing. Cambridge provides excellent research facilities and there are extensive opportunities for collaboration, visits and attending conferences.

Salary Ranges: Research Assistant: £24,289 - £27,318 Research Associate: £28,132 - £36,661

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

The post is based in Central Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply' link below. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a statement of research interests and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact: Elisabeth Barlow, email Elisabeth.Barlow@admin.cam.ac.uk. (Tel +44 01223 765692)

Please quote reference NM03182 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK

Apply online link:

http://hrsystems.admin.cam.ac.uk/recruit-ui/apply/NM03182