Associate Research Engineer, NLP

Job Description

Assist in the implementation of speech technology and natural language processing (NLP) components of medium- to large-scale, complex research projects for ETS researchers, testing program areas, and external clients. Consult with research scientists in the application, modification, and documentation of such systems using established technologies.

Work effectively in a team setting and take an active role in contributing to team discussions and decisions.

Analyze, design, modify, develop, document and implement technologies for executing medium- to large-scale, complex Speech technology and NLP research and development tasks. Identify unexpected problems in the application of Speech and NLP tools, and develop solutions.

Consult with research supervisory staff on the development of technologies for executing medium- to large-scale, complex Speech technology and NLP research and development tasks. Contribute to the implementation and support of new Speech and NLP methodologies to support research system development.

Assist in the preparation of NLP development components of proposals and cost/resource estimates.

Maintain continuing awareness of recent advances in speech and natural language processing, machine learning, and software development methodologies.

Implement components of technical documentation of NLP software systems, solutions and results.

Attend area-wide staff training and development sessions.

Experience and Skills

Required Experience:

EDUCATION
A Masters degree in Computer Science, NLP, Language Technology, Computational Linguistics, Linguistics or a closely related field is required. 

EXPERIENCE
A strong programming background, in languages such as Java, Python, Perl, and C, and facility with computational algorithms are essential. Coursework in statistics and experience in using machine learning toolkits are highly desirable. Experience with speech processing software (e.g. HTK, Praat, Matlab) is desirable.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of UNIX and Windows computing environments.
• Familiarity with UNIX tools and scripting languages.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Familiarity with algorithms, methods and data structures in common use in the processing of speech and language data.

ETS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.