The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) are looking for a :
Assistant Professor in Natural Language Processing
Vacancy number: 22-516
The rapid evolution and expansion of Artificial Intelligence and the increasing integration of computing with other disciplines creates new challenges on developing and understanding modern computing systems and networks. Through this position, we aim to strengthen the research and education in Natural Language Processing (NLP) at our institute. We are searching for an assistant professor to bring in expertise complementary to the expertise that is already present at LIACS.
The new assistant professor will be a member of the research group Text Mining and Retrieval (TMR), headed by Suzan Verberne. The current research focus of the group is domain-specific NLP and information retrieval. Method development and evaluation are core research activities, guided by challenges rising from domain-specific data and context. Group members work with a large diversity of textual data and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations. Social values of the group are inclusivity, openness, and teamwork.
The group is seeking to broaden its scope and strenghten its expertise in NLP. There is a large interest among master students to do thesis projects in NLP. The successful candidate will be a senior member of the TMR group and will independently supervise bachelor and master students. The new position has a good balance between teaching and research, giving the candidate time to write research proposals and build their own research line.
Key responsibilities
- Conducting independent research in your field;
- Teaching relevant courses (BSc/MSc);
- Supervising BSc and MSc students
- Co-supervising PhD students;
- Securing external funding for research;
- Engaging in organizing activities in the research group, the institute and in the different AI initiatives in Leiden and the Netherlands.
Selection Criteria
- PhD degree in Natural Language Processing (written or spoken language), Computational Linguistics or a closely related field;
- Proven independence in doing research at the postdoc level;
- Good publication record and some experience in raising research funds;
- Proven track record in teaching;
- Able to work independently, in a team, and in a student (co-)supervisory role.
- An academic, creative, and open mindset.
Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.
The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute of the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in the core areas of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, and Data Science, and in the interdisciplinary areas of ICT in Business, Media Technology and Creative science, and Bioinformatics. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and inclusiveness go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow.
Terms and conditions
We offer a temporary position for 12 months, which will become a permanent position after proven suitability during the 12 months. Salary ranges from €3,974 to €6,181 gross per month for a full-time position as assistant professor (pay scale 11 or 12 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
Diversity and inclusivity
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.
Information
Enquiries can be made to Dr. Suzan Verberne, email s.verberne@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.
If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Alice Bisschop, email jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.
Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl using the vacancy number in the subject of the email, including:
- A short cover letter (1 page) detailing your motivation to apply for the position.
- A brief description of your research plan,
- Teaching experience,
- A full CV including a list of publications, grant acquisition, and a link to your Google Scholar page,
- Links to key publications and PhD thesis.
As well as the names and addresses of at least two persons that can be contacted for reference (who have agreed to be contacted).
Only applications received before 16 October 2022 can be considered.