Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Spoken Language Processing (Fixed Term)
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Senior Research Associate or Research Associate to join our Smart Integrated Learning and Assessment for Speaking and Communication Project (SILA Speak) project team within the virtual Automated Language Teaching and Assessment (ALTA) Institute in the Department of Engineering. You will extend our research into automatic assessment and feedback for learning spoken English as an additional language. We work on real-life free speaking and conversational exams and practice tests, funded and closely collaborating with Cambridge University Press and Assessment (CUP&A).
The post holder will be located in Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.
The key responsibilities and duties are to design and develop appropriate methodologies to address the above research objectives. This will involve planning and managing their own research activity and liaising with colleagues in the Speech Research Group at Cambridge and with the partner groups in ALTA and CUP&A.
The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role are a very good first degree in engineering, computer science or a closely related field and have obtained a PhD degree in an area related to speech technology, or equivalent experience. It is expected that candidates will have a good knowledge of speech software tools such as Kaldi, Whisper, and/or general deep-learning tools such as pyTorch, and/or tools for spoken language assessment/CALL. Good knowledge of Python and the Linux OS is desirable.
In addition, applicants should exhibit good oral and written communication skills and have experience both of working in a team and managing their own workload.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD.
Appointment at Senior Research Associate level is dependent on significant experience as a postdoctoral research associate or equivalent, with proven impact from authored publications.
Applicants who wish to work either full-time or part-time (minimum of 80%) will be considered.
Salary Ranges:
Research Associate: £37,174 - £45,413
Senior Research Associate: £46,735 - £59,139
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2028 in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (Curriculum Vitae (CV), a statement of research interests, research publication list (if not included in CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.
If you have any questions about this vacancy please contact Dr Kate Knill email: kmk1001@cam.ac.uk. For questions on the application process, please contact Kim Cole (Divisional Administrator, Information Engineering) email: div-f@eng.cam.ac.uk (tel +44 1223 332752).
Please quote reference NM45676 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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