PhD Level Linguist III

Ascendion; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascendion is seeking a PhD Level Linguist III to perform advanced linguistic analyses on large datasets and evaluate AI model outputs. You will write guidelines for annotation and translation tasks, and conduct typological research across diverse languages to inform AI projects.

The role requires near-native English and strong bilingual proficiency, with cross-functional collaboration across product teams. Join Ascendion to shape AI-enabled language solutions.

Qualifications

• Solid grasp of General Linguistics theory at the research level.
• Strong cross-functional communication and project management skills.
• Experience with Python.

Responsibilities

• Perform linguistic analyses on large datasets.
• Conduct linguistic error analysis of AI model outputs, identifying the most frequent and significant error categories.
• Write and revise guidelines for human annotation and other AI projects, including translation-related tasks.
• Conduct typological and sociolinguistic research across a wide range of languages, highlighting similarities and differences.

Skills

Linguistics theory

Cross-functional communication

Project management

Bilingual proficiency

Tools

Python

Job description

About Ascendion

Ascendion is an AI-native software engineering disruptor helping businesses innovate faster, smarter, and with greater impact. We partner with enterprise clients across North America, the UK, Europe, and APAC to solve complex challenges in data, experience design, software product engineering, and workforce transformation. Powered by expert engineers, thousands of AI agents, and our Engineering to the Power of AI (EngineeringAI) method, we deliver measurable outcomes that build trust, unlock value, and accelerate growth. Learn more at https://ascendion.com/. Engineering to the Power of AI™, AAVA™, EngineeringAI, Engineering to Elevate Life™, Enterprise PlatformsAI, Data & InsightsAI, ExperienceAI, GCCAI, OperationsAI, Platform EngineeringAI, ProductAI, and Quality EngineeringAI are trademarks or service marks of Ascendion®. AAVA™ is pending registration. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Ascendion | Engineering to elevate life

We have a culture built on opportunity, inclusion, and a spirit of partnership. Come, change the world with us: Build the coolest tech for the world’s leading brands Solve complex problems - and learn new skills Experience the power of transforming digital engineering for Fortune 500 clients Master your craft with leading training programs and hands-on experience Experience a community of change makers! Join a culture of high-performing innovators with endless ideas and a passion for tech. Our culture is the fabric of our company, and it is what makes us unique and diverse. The way we share ideas, learning, experiences, successes, and joy allows everyone to be their best at Ascendion.

Job Title

PhD Level Linguist III

Minimum Qualifications

Solid grasp of General Linguistics theory at the research level.

Strong cross-functional communication and project management skills.

Experience with Python.

Near-native or native bilingual proficiency in one of the following language families or groups, along with near-native or native proficiency in English:

• Central Philippine, especially Filipino, Tagalog, or Cebuano.
• Tai-Kadai, especially Thai or Lao.
• Bantu, especially Swahili.
• Northwestern Semitic, especially Hebrew, or Ethiosemitic.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating and/or maintaining specialized lexical resources, such as profanity dictionaries, is a plus.
• Ability to independently work through ambiguous requests based on priorities established by the team and perform effectively under pressure.
• Ability to work cross-functionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform linguistic analyses on large datasets.
• Conduct linguistic error analysis of Artificial Intelligence (AI) model outputs, identifying the most frequent and significant error categories.
• Write and revise guidelines for human annotation and other Artificial Intelligence projects, including translation-related tasks.
• Conduct typological and sociolinguistic research across a wide range of languages, highlighting simi