[Corpora-List] Jobs: Postdoc position in Computational Semantics/Sociolinguistics (University of Leuven, Belgium)

[Kris Heylen]

Job announcement: Postdoc position at the University of Leuven (Belgium)
Specialty Areas: Computational Linguistics; Sociolinguistics; Text/Corpus Linguistics

DESCRIPTION:

The research unit Quantitative Lexicology and Variational Linguistics 
(http://wwwling.arts.kuleuven.be/qlvl/) at the University of Leuven 
invites applications for *a three year post-doctoral position* 
(01.01.2009 - 31.12.2011) in the research project 'Sociolectometry and 
lexical variation'. This project wishes to contribute to the development 
of a quantitative, corpus-based lexical sociolectometry. On the basis of 
large (available) corpora of Dutch, the project will analyse to what 
extent different language varieties exhibit different word choice 
preferences in referring to specific concepts. Doing this for many 
concepts makes it possible to get a systematic overview of lexical 
variation in Dutch and to measure the divergence in word use between 
varieties, hence the term /sociolectometry/. However, such a large scale 
investigation will require an automated approach to analyse word 
choices. Therefore, a key aspect of the project consists of the 
incorporation of novel methods of automatic semantic analysis into the 
lectometric framework previously developed by the research unit. 
Computational semantic techniques, like semantic vector space models, 
are currently already used in the research unit for exploring semantic 
relations between words. The successful applicant will co-ordinate and 
spearhead the integration of these techniques into the lectometric 
framework and thus develop tools for large scale lexical variation 
research. The applicant will closely co-operate with team members in 
confronting the linguistic and extra-linguistic lexical knowledge 
captured by semantic vector space models with experimental 
psycholinguistic findings.

REQUIREMENTS 

Candidates must have completed all requirements for their PhD degree by 
the time of appointment. The ideal candidate should have one of the 
following profiles:
a) expertise in computational linguistics, preferably with a focus on 
semantic vector space models
b) expertise in sociolinguistics, if possible with a focus on 
lectometric research
c) expertise in corpus linguistics, preferably with a focus on the 
analysis of language variation. 

Candidates with experience in the statistical analysis of natural 
language and/or the use of scripting languages are especially encouraged 
to apply.
Because the successful candidate will work as a member of a project 
group, team spirit is indispensable.
Knowledge of Dutch is not required at the time of application, but 
non-native candidates will be asked to acquire a working knowledge of 
Dutch in the first year of their employment. 


FURTHER INFORMATION

A full description of the project and additional information about the 
vacancy can be found on our website 
<http://wwwling.arts.kuleuven.be/qlvl/job.htm> 
(http://wwwling.arts.kuleuven.be/qlvl/job.htm) or obtained from Dirk 
Geeraerts or Dirk Speelman.
Funding is guaranteed as of October 1, 2008, but according to the 
availability of the candidate, employment may start between October 1, 
2008 and January 1, 2009.


APPLICATIONS

Please send applications to both Dirk Geeraerts and Dirk Speelman.
E-mail applications should be sent in pdf format. Please include:
- a statement of your research interests
- a full CV
- two sample publications- the names and e-mail addresses of two referees

Closing date: January 1, 2009

Dirk Geeraerts
E-mail: dirk.geeraerts at arts.kuleuven.be
Phone: ++32 16 32 48 15
Fax: ++32 16 32 47 67
Surface mail: Department of Linguistics,
Blijde-Inkomststraat 21,
PO Box 3308
B-3000 Leuven, Belgium

Dirk Speelman
E-mail: dirk.speelman at arts.kuleuven.be
Phone: ++32 16 32 48 07
Fax: ++32 16 32 47 67
Surface mail: Department of Linguistics,
Blijde-Inkomststraat 21,
PO Box 3308
B-3000 Leuven, Belgium


Disclaimer: http://www.kuleuven.be/cwis/email_disclaimer.htm


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