Postdoctoral researcher 'Memory access in language"

We are seeking to hire a highly motivated, driven, and talented postdoc with a strong background in e.g.(computational) linguistics, AI, NLP, (comp) psychology.

We are seeking to hire a highly motivated, driven, and talented postdoctoral researcher to participate in the project “Memory access in language (MEMLANG): how we store and retrieve linguistic information” led by Jakub Dotlacil. The job is offered for the duration of 3 years and will be carried out at the Institute for Language Sciences (ILS) at Utrecht University, the Netherlands.

The position is part of the research funded by European Research Council (ERC) under the ERC-Consolidator grant scheme. You will work in an interdisciplinary team with the PI, 2 PhD researchers from the fields of (experimental) linguistics. There will be another postdoctoral researcher joining the project later.

This project aims to develop, implement and test a general model of memory that can provide insights into how we store and retrieve linguistic information and how our language use is intertwined with memory when we communicate. The model to be developed and tested will be hybrid in the sense that it merges linguistic factors uncovered in computational and theoretical linguistics with general cognitive mechanisms. The overarching goal is to find out how the model of memory can be generalized across various linguistic domains, from the lexicon through syntax to discourse semantics, and how the memory model can help us predict diverse quantitative data in linguistics and cognitive science.

There are two components in the project: an empirical and a computational one. The empirical component of the project consists in developing, carrying out and analysing experiments that collect behavioural data (e.g., reaction times, eye fixations) and EEG data. The computational modelling component involves simulating behavioral and neural data connected to processing and memory retrieval. This postdoc position is part of the computational component of the project.

The tasks include:

• data modelling and data analysis, in particular, modeling behavioural (reading-time) data and EEG data by combining NLP techniques with theoretical understanding of underlying cognitive processes and computational cognitive modelling;
• reporting findings at conferences, proceedings and in peer reviewed journals, in collaboration with PhD candidates and supervisors;
• participation in the supervision team of two PhD candidates.

You bring the following qualifications:

• a PhD degree in (computational) linguistics, AI, computer science, psychology or closely related fields in hand by the starting date;
• solid knowledge in programming;
• interest in computational cognitive modelling;
• interest in experimental research and/or modelling of experimental results;
• high proficiency in academic English;
• ability to work both as an independent researcher and as a team member in an interdisciplinary team;
• strong organisational, social and communication skills

We offer:

• an employment contract for one year with - after a positive evaluation - an extension for the remaining period of 24 months (3 years in total);
• a working week of 32-36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €4,185 and €4,340 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10.5-10.6 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 7,000 students and 1,100 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city centre of Utrecht, where the faculty is located, contribute to an inspiring working environment.

The team carrying out this work (led by the PI Jakub Dotlacil) operates within the research group Language, Logic and Information of ILS (Institute for Language Sciences) and will be carried out in collaboration with researchers in related research teams. The Language, Logic and Information research group is a very active group of scientists working within the fields of formal linguistics and NLP. The research group is involved in the linguistics and AI Bachelor and Master programmes and has strong research and teaching ties with the departments of psychology and computer science at Utrecht University.

ILS is part of the Department of Language, Literature and Communication. The Department of Languages, Literature and Communication offers BA and MA degree programmes in literary studies, linguistics, communication studies, translation, as well as in Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Celtic languages.

For more information about this position, please contact Jakub Dotlacil (the PI) at j.dotlacil@uu.nl or Maaike Schoorlemmer (research coordinator at ILS) at m.schoorlemmer@uu.nl.

If you are applying from outside the Netherlands, read practical information about living and working in the Netherlands on our website. It is required to live in the Netherlands for the duration of the appointment.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send the following documentation via the 'apply now' button:

• your CV including full personal and academic details;
• your motivation letter;
• copies of relevant diplomas and academic transcripts;
• your (draft) PhD thesis, and, if available, relevant publications;
• names and full contact details of two academic referees.

Please include your name and a reference to the position you are applying for in the file names.

Interviews will be held during the week of 18 and 25 November 2024. The starting date is 1 March 2025.