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Speech and Cognition research group (SPECOG) is part of Computing Sciences Unit of Tampere University within the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences. SPECOG focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of speech technology and cognitive sciences. We apply advanced signal processing and machine learning methods to computational modeling of human language learning and perception and study how human-like information processing principles can be applied in autonomous next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The group also conducts research and development in speech and language technology and in medical signal processing and machine learning. SPECOG collaborates with several internationally leading research groups within and across disciplinary boundaries, including joint research with computer scientists, psychologists, brain researchers, and linguists. The group is also closely affiliated with audio and machine vision research groups of Tampere University. 

More information on SPECOG: http://www.cs.tut.fi/sgn/specog/index.html

Job description

We are inviting applications for the position of a postdoctoral research fellow or senior research fellow in the areas of speech and language technology and cognitive science. The work will be conducted as a member of the SPECOG research group led by Asst. Prof. Okko Räsänen. We are looking for candidates who are interested in human and/or machine language processing, and who are willing to contribute to our highly cross-disciplinary research efforts in understanding language learning in humans and autonomous computational systems. Our current focus is on machine learning algorithms for unsupervised language learning from purely acoustic or audiovisual data (sometimes also known as zero-resource speech processing). However, we also consider candidates with a strong independent research agenda in complementary areas of speech and language technology.

In this position, the candidate is expected to:

1) carry out world-class research on a topic related to SPECOG focus areas
2) work in close collaboration with other members of the research group, and
3) help to advise undergraduate and/or PhD projects on the relevant topics (with flexibility according to personal interests and career aspirations).    

Requirements 

The candidate should hold a doctoral degree (e.g., PhD or D.Sc. (Tech.)) in language technology, computer science, electrical engineering, cognitive science, or other relevant area. Candidates who have already completed their doctoral research work but have not yet received their doctoral certificate may also apply.

A successful candidate has strong expertise in signal processing and machine learning (e.g., deep learning), ideally from the context of speech technology. Applicants with a background in natural language processing (NLP) or cognitive science are also considered. Experience or interests in linguistics, neuroscience, or statistics are considered as an advantage. Fluent programming (Python, Matlab, R, C++ or similar) and English skills are required.  

Potential candidates must be capable of carrying out independent research at the highest international level. Competence must be demonstrated through several existing publications in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

We offer 

The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of two years, starting as soon as possible (but not extending the contract beyond the end of December 2021). A trial period of 6 months is applied to all new employees. The exact starting date is negotiable. 

We offer competitive academic salary, typically between 3500–4000 € for a starting postdoc depending on the experience of the candidate, and 4000–4500 € for a senior research fellow with several years of existing postdoctoral research experience in academia or industry. In addition, the position comes with extensive benefits such as occupational healthcare, excellent sports facilities, flexible working hours, and several restaurants and cafés on the campus with staff discounts. Traveling costs and daily allowances related to presenting peer-reviewed work in major international conferences is also normally covered.

About the research environment 

Finland is among the most stable, free and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. It is also ranked as one of the top countries as far as social progress is concerned. Tampere is counted among the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of the most rapidly growing urban areas in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. Despite its growth, living in Tampere is highly affordable with two-room apartment rents starting from approx. 550 €. In addition, the excellent public transport network enables quick, easy and cheap transportation around the city of Tampere and university campuses.

Read more about Finland and Tampere: 

• https://www.visitfinland.com/about-finland/  
• https://finland.fi/   
• http://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/161193/MEAEguide_18_2018_TervetuloaSuomeen_Eng_PDFUA.pdf 
• https://visittampere.fi/en/ 

How to apply 

We will accept applications until the position has been filled, but no later than 30th of November 2019 at 23.59 (GMT+3). Note that we will start evaluating the applicants already on 1st of October 2019, and the position may be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

The application should contain the following documents (all in .pdf format):

• A free-form letter of motivation for the position in question (max. 1 page)
• Academic CV with contact information
• A list of publications
• A copy of doctoral degree certificate 
• A letter or letters of recommendation (max. 3)

Please name all the documents as surname_CV.pdf, surname_list_of_publications.pdf … etc.  Only the applications sent through the university application portal and containing the requested attachments in the instructed format will be considered in the recruitment process. 

The most promising candidates will be interviewed in person or via Skype before the final decision. 

For more information about the position, please contact Assistant Professor Okko Räsänen (firstname.surname@tuni.fi; no umlauts) by email.

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