Postdoctoral researcher (f / m / x) in computational linguistics

Department of German Language and Literature I

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas, and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The prospective candidate (f / m / x) will be involved in the project „Language in Psychosis: Broaching a New Frontier,“ which is funded by the Excellent Research Support Program at the University of Cologne and involves both the department of German Language and Literature I (Linguistics) and Medicine Faculty, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. It also involves an external cooperator at the Catalan Institute of Advanced Studies (Clinical Linguistics) in Spain. The project’s aim is to identify and understand changes in language production and comprehension associated with first episode psychosis, at both a behavioral and brain level, using task and resting-state fMRI.

YOUR TASKS

• Utilizing language models and deep learning models to analyze language data from patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis
• Running and further developing analysis pipelines of spontaneous speech, using BERT or FastText
• Encoding and decoding brain data using language models
• The prospective candidate will be required to be in Cologne for regular meetings

YOUR PROFILE

• A doctorate in a relevant field (e.g., computational linguistics, psychology, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, computer science)
• Willingness to work in a multi-disciplinary setting
• Demonstrable experience in utilizing large language models and deep learning models such as FastText or BERT for language data analysis
• Experience and/or an interest in encoding and decoding brain data using large language models

WE OFFER

• A stimulating and collaborative research environment with ample opportunities for professional growth
• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers
• Flexible working time models
• Opportunity to work remotely

The University of Cologne is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Women are especially encouraged to apply and will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Gender Equality Act of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome people with disabilities/special needs or of equal status.

The position is available from 01.10.2023 on a part-time basis (19.92 hours per week). It is limited until 30.09.2025. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary will be based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.