PhD-candidate Speech technology and computational modeling of Frisian-Dutch Bilingual Speech: Switch, Loan & Change

 

The Fryske Akademy Foundation conducts scientific research into the Frisian language, multilingual society, and the regional history of Fryslân. With multidisciplinary research, the Fryske Akademy makes innovative contributions to the international scientific debate, contributes to the academic climate in Leeuwarden and Fryslân, and generates inspiring fundamental and applicable knowledge for and about society. In this way, the Fryske Akademy works on high-level science, with an eye for social impact and based on a strong commitment to Fryslân and the Frisians. The Fryske Akademy is firmly rooted in the region and is affiliated with the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW).

Campus Fryslân is the ambitious eleventh and newest faculty of the University of Groningen, located in Leeuwarden. Campus Fryslân is an interdisciplinary faculty that works closely together with regional, national, and international partners on worldwide (sustainability) challenges and local solutions. The sustainable development goals of the United Nations thus serve as an important guideline.


Fryske Akademy and Campus Fryslân are looking for a PhD-candidate Speech technology and computational modeling of Frisian-Dutch Bilingual Speech: Switch, Loan & Change.

We seek a PhD-candidate for an innovative project investigating code-switching and borrowing phenomena in Frisian-Dutch bilingual speech, combining laboratory sociolinguistics with modern speech technology approaches. This project contributes to both theoretical understanding of bilingual speech and practical applications in speech recognition.

Research focus:

• Acoustic and articulatory analysis of code-switching and borrowing.
• Development of machine learning models for automated detection and classification.
• Integration with state-of-the-art speech recognition systems.
• Investigation of sociolinguistic and cognitive factors in bilingual speech production.

Required qualifications:

• Master's degree in Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, or related field.
• Strong programming skills (Python, machine learning frameworks).
• Background in acoustic phonetics and speech processing.
• Interest in experimental research design.
• Excellent academic writing skills in English.

Desired experience:

• Knowledge of Dutch and/or Frisian.
• Familiarity with or interest in speech recognition technologies.
• Experience with acoustic and/or articulatory analysis of speech.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong academic writing ability in English.

We offer:

• Full funding for 4 years.
• PhD training programme of the University of Groningen (Campus Fryslân).
• Additional training through the Netherlands Graduate School of Linguistics (LOT).
• Industry connections through regional partners.
• Interdisciplinary research environment.
• Supervision from both Campus Fryslân and Fryske Akademy.
• An appointment for 4 years. Initially, a contract of 1 year is offered, with an extension for the following years on the basis of an evaluation, in accordance to the rules of the University of Groningen.
• The salary, with a full appointment, is € 2.901,- in the first year, P scale 0 bruto per month, rising to € 3.707,- in the last year. Favorable employment conditions include: holiday allowance and end-of-year bonus, according to the Collective Labor Agreement of Dutch Universities. We offer a wide package of fringe benefits.

More information
Interviews will be planned in the first week of April. The appointment may commence consecutively, preferably no later than 1 September 2025. For more information, please contact Prof Hans Van de Velde (hvandevelde@fryske-akademy.nl) or Dr Matt Coler (m.coler@rug.nl), who will be the main supervisors of this project.

Diversity & inclusion
The Fryske Akademy values a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and in which development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We therefore would like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the case of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who strengthens the diversity within the Fryske Akademy.

To apply

• Please provide your CV, a statement of interest, and a writing sample from your graduate studies.
• Name and email of two people we can contact for references.
• Send applications by noon on 17th March 2025 to the Fryske Akademy, Attn: Mr. Anne Mulder, HR Officer.
• Interviews will be planned in the first week of April 2025. The appointment may commence consecutively, preferably no later than 1 September 2025. Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.