Two PhD positions in NLP and Speech (1 FTE)

This position is embedded within the NWO-funded project “InDeep: Interpreting deep learning models for language, speech & music” in collaboration with several universities and companies in the Netherlands. The project’s consortium brings together a number of pioneering experts in the field of interpretability (https://interpretingdl.github.io) and aims at bridging the gap between the latest academic advances and societal/industrial users of deep learning models at large. 

Each of the two PhD candidates will work on one the following two subprojects: 

• [A]: Development and evaluation of general-purpose methods for interpretability (led Dr. Afra Alishahi).
• [B]: Analysis and control techniques for deep-learning based speech processing models (led by Dr. Grzegorz Chrupała).

These projects will combine ideas, methods and data from Natural Language Processing, Speech Recognition and Machine Learning.

• Master’s degree in computer science, computational linguistics, machine learning, speech and audio processing, or a related field. If you expect to obtain your degree before September 2021, you are also eligible.
• Knowledge of machine learning in general as well as practical experience with deep learning models and toolkits (e.g. Pytorch).
• Experience with NLP and/or speech processing is a strong plus.
• Excellent knowledge of English and good academic writing skills.

What we offer

• A full-time position.
• The selected candidate will start with a contract for one year. Upon a positive outcome of the first-year evaluation, the candidate will be offered an employment contract for the remaining three years.
• A minimum gross salary of € 2395,- per month up to a maximum of € 3061,- in the fourth year.
• A holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% (annually).
• Researchers from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a tax-free allowance equal to 30% of their taxable salary (the 30% tax regulation). The University will apply for such an allowance on their behalf.
• Assistance in finding accommodation (for foreign employees).
• Benefits such as an options model for terms and conditions of employment and reimbursement of moving expenses, also including excellent technical infrastructure, savings schemes and excellent sport facilities. 

The collective labor agreement of the Dutch Universities applies.

Research and education at the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD) has a unique focus on humans in the context of the globalizing digital society, on the development of artificial intelligence and interactive technologies, on their impact on communication, culture and society, and on moral and existential challenges that arise. The School of Humanities and Digital Sciences consists of four departments: Communication and Cognition, Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Culture Studies and Philosophy; several research institutes and a faculty office. Also the University College Tilburg is part of the School. Each year around 275 students commence a Bachelor or (Pre) Master Program. The School has approximately 2000 students and 250 employees.

Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences

The Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence department (https://csai.nl/)  at Tilburg University is part of the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences. 
The department emphasizes innovative research spanning a wide array of fields including computational linguistics and language technology, data-science, human-robot interaction, virtual reality and serious games. CSAI is a member of the Benelux Association for Artificial Intelligence, participates in the Special Interest Group for AI (SIG AI), and also participates in the Confederation of Laboratories for Artificial Intelligence Research in Europe (CLAIRE).

Tilburg University and the CSAI department offer a vibrant international environment, with current CSAI staff originating from more than 10 countries.