Practice and recent evidence suggests that state-of-the-art (SotA) Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) systems struggle with the large variation in speech due to e.g., gender, age, speech impairment, race, and accents. Many factors can cause this bias of an ASR system. The overarching goal of this project is to uncover bias in ASR systems to work towards proactive bias mitigation in ASR, and create inclusive automatic speech recognition systems. Inclusive ASR systems are thus systems that can recognise the speech of any speaker irrespective of how the person speaks or their voice, i.e., ASR systems that have as little bias towards certain speakers or speaker groups.

The post-doc position is part of an initiative to strengthen research around several subtopics within Computer Science at Delft University of Technology. These subtopics include hybrid intelligence, value-added AI, conversational agents for explaining AI. The post-doc position will need to adhere to at least one of these subtopics in the context of automatic speech recognition.

The post-doc will be part of the SpeechLab headed by Dr. Odette Scharenborg, and will be expected to collaborate with researchers from within and outside the SpeechLab

The successful postdoc candidate should have a solid background in Speech Technology, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or equivalent, with knowledge of deep learning and automatic speech recognition, with a preference for ASR in low-resource settings. Additionally, some knowledge of (psycho)linguistics or ethics is preferred. The position requires excellent command of the English language, both spoken and written. In addition, we are looking for creativity, critical thinking, rigour, independence, and good communication skills. The position is relatively open, there is plenty of room for development of new ideas. 

The candidate will work in a highly multidisciplinary environment, and interact with a diverse group of faculty in Computer Science, Multimedia Computing and Ethics of Technology.

Fixed-term contract: 2 jaar.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.