Post-Doctoral and PhD positions in Dialogue Processing: Potsdam, Germany


Post-Doctoral and PhD positions in Incremental Dialogue Processing and
Prosody, University of Potsdam, Germany

We have one position for a Post-Doctoral Researcher and one position
for a PhD student available from January 1st, 2007 within the newly
formed, DFG-funded `Emmy Noether Independent Research Group on Content
and Coordination' led by David Schlangen at the Institute for
Linguistics, University of Potsdam, Germany.

The successful applicants will work in the context of ``InPro:
Incrementality and Projection in Dialogue Processing'', a new project
on incremental processing for dialogue systems, with computational
modelling of smooth turn-taking as the central test case. The project
will run for three years, with the possibility of a subsequent
one-year extension.

* Post Doctoral Position: Ideal candidates for the Post-Doc position
  have a strong background in Computational Linguistics, Natural
  Language Processing and/or Computer Science, with experience in
  incremental parsing or incremental processing in general. Experience
  with spoken dialogue systems, dialogue management, and research on
  prosody would be a definite plus; good programming skills and a
  keen interest in problem solving and research are essential.

  Candidates must hold a doctoral degree by the start of the
  appointment. There is no obligatory teaching load, but if desired
  successful applicants can get involved in teaching activities as
  well, to develop their CV. 

* PhD Position: Ideal candidates for the PhD position have a good
  degree in Computational Linguistics, Linguistics, or Computer
  Science, and have shown ability for conducting original
  research. Prior work on prosody, especially within dialogue
  settings, would be a definite plus. Good  programming experience is
  important, a keen interest in problem solving and research is
  essential. The successful candidate will work towards a PhD degree
  in Computational Linguistics from the University of Potsdam.

The `working language' of the project will be English, so fluency in
English is a condition. Prior knowledge of German is not required.


We offer 
- a competitive salary with all benefits (for the Post-Doc position:
  German BAT IIa payscale, the actual salaries vary depending on age
  and family situation, currently between 2900 and 3800 E per month;
  for the PhD position 1/2 BAT IIa) 
- a dynamic and international working environment (Computational
  Linguistics is a growing part of Linguistics in Potsdam, which
  already is one of the larger linguistics departments in Germany;
  there are also established inter-disciplinary connections to
  e.g. computer science and psychology); and 
- a nice (and affordable) living environment (Potsdam is a beautiful
  mid-sized city just on the outskirts of Berlin, from where, if
  desired, Potsdam is in easy commuting distance).

These positions are open from January 1st, 2007 (or earlier), so
candidates are encouraged to apply ASAP and reviewing of applications
begins immediately; however, we are looking for the best candidate, so
later starting dates may be negotiable as well.

To apply, please send
- a statement of research interests; 
- a cv, including details of research experience;
- if applicable, (links to) sample publications; and 
- addresses of at least two referees
to Dr. David Schlangen ( das@ling.uni-potsdam.de ).

If you need further information, please don't hesitate to contact us
at the address above.