As a postdoc you will work in the NWO InDeep project on interpretability of deep learning in the context of speech recognition models. Work will take place at Tilburg University in collaboration with Radboud University, and involves collaboration with industrial partners in InDeep. Your main task is to compile a scientific framework based on psycholinguistic/computational models of speech recognition and use this framework to interpret deep learning models, e.g. by investigating if the units identified can help assess and improve automated speech recognition.  More generally, your research aims to further strengthen the relation between speech research and the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and supports understanding how humanities knowledge can play a role in AI, by investigating e.g. algorithmic biases, and algorithmic predictions contradicting human logic. In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the coordination within the InDeep consortium, by the InDeep coordinator.

• PhD degree (completed or to be defended) in corpus linguistics, cognitive science, computational linguistics, psycholinguistics, communication science, or a related field.
• An accessible attitude, can function well in a team, and can establish and maintain interpersonal relations, with excellent communication skills in English.
• Ability to take initiative, be organized, be flexible, and work independently
• Strongly motivated to carry out internationally competitive and cutting-edge research.
• Demonstrable 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
• Good command of scripting languages (python), linux
• Excellent knowledge of English and good academic writing skills.
• A competitive track record in academic publishing

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

• A full-time appointment for a period of up to 2 years, with an intermediate evaluation after 9 months. 
• The post doc position will be ranked in the Dutch university job ranking system (UFO) as a researcher 4.
• The starting gross monthly salary for a full-time appointment is (minimally) € 3413,- in scale 10 up to (maximally) € 3703,-. 
• A holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% (annually).
• Tilburg University is one of the best non-profit employers in the Netherlands and offers very good fringe 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.
• Researchers from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a temporary tax-free allowance equal to 30% of their taxable salary. The University will apply for such an allowance on their behalf.
• The University will provide assistance in finding suitable accommodation (for foreign employees).

Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences

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

Department of Communication and Cognition (DCC)

The department of Communication and Cognition (DCC) studies cognitive and social aspects of human communication through a multidisciplinary approach combining careful experimentation with survey methods, corpus analyses and computational modeling. Core research domains include communication and technology, cross-cultural communication, information visualisation, marketing and business communication, language production, and non-verbal communication.

New media and other digital technologies play an increasingly important role in the research and teaching of the department. These technologies shape how we live, learn and work, and strongly influence how we communicate with colleagues, family and friends. Our research and teaching contributes to developing better digital communication systems, with applications in eHealth, affective computing, media, journalism and education.