Research Associate in Natural Language Processing and Linked Data – Insight Centre for Data Analytics

Data Science Institute

Ref. No. University of Galway 186-23

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, fixed-term position as a Research Associate with the Data Science Institute at the National University of Ireland, Galway.  This position is funded by Science Foundation Ireland as part of the SFI Insight Research Centre for Data Analytics and is available from 1st October 2023 to contract end date of 30th June 2024.

DSI incorporates the University of Galway node of the nationwide Insight Centre for Data Analytics. DSI hosts more than 100 staff and has established itself as a top player worldwide in the areas of Semantic Web and Linked Data. It has successfully implemented a research strategy around the goal of “Enabling Networked Knowledge”, which aims at capitalizing on knowledge as the fuel for the digital service economy, by linking information and exploiting the resulting knowledge graphs as the basis for economic productivity. The institute performs fundamental and applied research in a range of research areas to enable this, including data streams and sensor networks, knowledge discovery, natural language processing, social semantics and social network analysis, among others. Research outcomes are applied in use cases across a range of domains, including eGovernment, financial services, manufacturing, eHealth and Life Sciences.

 Job Description:

The Data Science Institute (DSI) at University of Galway is inviting applications for the position of research associate for 1 year in the context of the SFI Insight Research Centre for Data Analytics.

This research associate is in the area of Research Challenge 4 on “Multimodal Data Interpretation” and Research Challenge 5 on “Networked Knowledge” and will focus on the combination of existing natural language processing and linked data technologies. In addition, the project will focus on the use of these technologies to improve NLP for under-resourced languages including for minority and historical languages.

The research associate will focus on research work; however, the candidate will also be expected to contribute to the activities of the institute, in particular, through writing grant applications, supervising PhD and MSc students and public engagement activities as appropriate.

Duties:

• Conduct a specified programme of research and scholarship under the supervision and direction of your Principal Investigator.
• Plan, coordinate and implement research project (this may include managing a small research team/coordinating other researcher activity).
• Keep up to date with research related methods and techniques, in particular, developments in the specific research area.
• Collaborate with colleagues on areas of shared research interest.
• Present on research progress and outcomes e.g. to bodies supervising research; conferences, steering groups; other team members, as agreed with the PI / project leader.
• Contribute to the research project’s dissemination in whatever form – report, papers, chapters, book
• Mentor and assist, as appropriate and as directed, the research graduate students in the institute.
• Engage in Education and Public Engagement (EPE) activities of the institute.

 Essential Requirements:

• MSc in Natural Language Processing, Computer Science or Linguistics
• 4+ years’ experience with natural language processing, linked data or related technologies
• Strong publication record
• Excellent understanding of experimental design and scientific methodologies
• Strong command of oral and written English
• Good programming skills and evidence of previously completed software projects

Desirable Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of linguistics related to under-resourced languages
• Knowledge of machine translation
• Programming experience with deep learning in Python
• Experience with supervision of students
• Experience in writing grant proposals
• Track record of contribution to open source projects.

 Salary: Postdoctoral Researcher Point 1 €42,033 to Point 10 €54,153 per annum, pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).

€42,033-€54,153

Start date: Position is available from 1st October 2023

Continuing Professional Development/Training:

Researchers at University of Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. University of Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia.  Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment – see HERE for further information.

Further information on research and working at University of Galway is available on Research at University of Galway

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

The Data Science Institute (DSI) is a designated research institute of the University of Galway. At DSI, we research technologies at the convergence of Computer Science, Web Science and Artificial Intelligence to build a fundamental understanding of how information and knowledge are increasingly driving society through digital processes, and of the tools, techniques and principles supporting a data-enhanced world.

For informal enquiries, please contact John P. McCrae, john.mccrae@universityofgalway.ie or Christiane Leahy-Coen or christiane.leahy-coen@universityofgalway.ie.

NB: Gárda vetting is a requirement for this post

To Apply:

Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to John P. McCrae, john.mccrae@universityofgalway.ie

Please put reference number University of Galway 186-23 in subject line of e-mail application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm 31st August 2023

Optional: Interviews are planned to be held on 18th September

 We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.

 University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment