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

[Kris Heylen]

(Apologies for multiple postings)
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) 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



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