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ISCApad Archive  »  2023  »  ISCApad #297  »  Jobs  »  (2022-09-09) Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland

ISCApad #297

Monday, March 06, 2023 by Chris Wellekens

6-4 (2022-09-09) Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland
  
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
(speech and language technology,cognitive science)

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create
a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-
impact research and education. Our universities community has its
competitive edges in technology, health and society.www.tuni.fi/en
Speech and Cognition research group (SPECOG )is part ofComputing ScienceatTampere University within
the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences.SPECOG focuses on interdisciplinary
research at the intersection of speechand languagetechnology and cognitive science.We combine advanced
signal processing and machine learning methods with empirical large-scale infant data to the study of child
language development. We also study how human-like perceptual learning can be applied in artificial
intelligence (AI) systemsSPECOG collaborates with several  internationally leading research groups within
and across disciplinary boundaries, including joint research with psychologistslinguistsphoneticians, and
computer scientists.
More informationon SPECOG:https://webpages.tuni.fi/specog/index.html
Job description
We are inviting applications for the position o fpostdoctoral research fellow on the topic of computational
modelling of child language development. The position is associated with aproject titled “Modeling Child
Language Development using Naturalistic Data at a Scale (L-SCALE)”, where the aim is to develop new
practices to training and evaluation of computational models of infant language learning using realistic infant
data. These data may include long-form child-centred audio recordings,infant-care giver interaction
transcripts, and meta-analyses conducted across a range of behavioural experiments.While the job is located
in Finland, the project has a notable emphasis on international collaboration with key partners around the
world.
The work will be conducted as a member of the SPECOG research groupled by Dr.Okko Räsänen.We are
looking for candidates who are interested in human and/or machine language processingand who are willing
to contribute to our cross-disciplinary research efforts in understanding language learning in humans through
computational means.
In this position, the candidate is expected to:
1)carry out high-quality postdoctora lresearch on computational modelling of early language development
and contribute to the development of ecologically plausible model training and evaluation practice.
2)work in close collaboration with other members of the research group, and
3)advise undergraduate/graduate projects on topics related to your own research (with flexibility
according to personal interests and career aspirations).
Requirements
The candidate should hold a doctoral degree (e.g.,PhD or D.Sc.) in language technology, psycholinguistics,
cognitive science,computer science,or other relevant area. Candidates who have   already completed their
doctoral research work but have not yet received their doctoral certificate may also apply.
 

A successful candidate has strong expertise in 

 a)speech and/or language technology or in

b) childlanguage
development research with quantitative methods (e.g., developmental psychology,psycholinguistics,
cognitive science).

Fluent programming (at least Python,Matlab, or Rand oral and written English skills are
requiredStrong motivation towards understanding the underpinnings of human language learning and
processing is a must. Experience from computational modelling or use of statistical models in empirical
research are considered as an advantage.
Potential candidates must be capable of carrying out independent academic research at the highest
international level.Competence must be demonstrated through several existing publications in
internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
We offer
The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of up to 3.5 years, but is negotiated according to
applicant’s career plans. Starting date is also negotiable, but should not be later than March2023.  A trial
period of 6 months is applied to all new employees.
We offer competitive academic salary, typically between 35003600€ per month for astarting postdoc,
generally depending on experience and merits achieved (the position is placed on job demand levels 56 in
accordance withthe Finnish University Salary System).The position also includespossibilities for short-term
researcher mobility to other international research labs.Traveling costs to presenting peer-reviewed work
in major international conferences are covered by default. In addition, the position comes with extensive
benefits such as occupational healthcare, on-campus sports facilities, flexible working hours, and several
restaurants and cafés on the campus with staff discounts. The jobis associated with1612 hannual working
time, which translates to approx. 6 weeks of holiday per year.
How to apply
Send the application through the online portalat
https://tuni.rekrytointi.com/paikat/?o=A_RJ&jgid=1&jid=1572.
Deadline for applications is 9st of October2022 at 23.59(GMT+3)Note that wmay start interviewing
applicants already before the deadlineWe reserve the opportunity to decide not to fill the position in
case a suitable candidate is not found during the process.
The application should contain the following documents (all in .pdfformat):
-A free-form letter of motivation for the position in question(max.1page)
-Academic CV with contact information
-complete list of publications
-A copy of doctoral degree certificate
-Potential letters of recommendation(max.3)
Please name all the documents as surname_CV.pdf,surname_list_of_publications.pdf... etc. Only the
applications sent through the university application portal and containing the requested attachmentin the
instructed format will be considered in the recruitment process.
The most promising candidates will be interviewed in person before the final decision.
For more information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Okko Räsänen
(firstname.surname@tuni.fi; no umlauts) by email. For more information on our group activities and recent
publications, see https://webpages.tuni.fi/specog/index.html.

 About the research environment
Finland is among the most stable, free and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by
various agencies. It is also ranked as one of the top countries as far as social progress is concerned.
Tampere ithe largest inland city of Finland, and the city is counted among the major academic hubs in the
Nordic countriesoffering a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of the most rapidly growing
urban areas in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is
an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s
information society. Despite its growthliving in Tampere is highly affordable for housing. In addition,the
excellent public transport network enables quick, easy,and cheap transportation around the city of
Tampere and university campuses.Tampere is also surrounded by vivid nature with forests and lakes,
providing countless opportunities for  easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshment throughout the
year.

Read more about Finland and Tampere:
https://www.visitfinland.com/about-finland/
https://finland.fi/
http://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/161193/MEAEguide_18_2018_T
ervetuloaSuomeen_Eng_PDFUA.pdf
https://visittampere.fi/en/

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