Computational Linguistics Post-Doctoral Researcher - UOD1424

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a PhD and experience in computing and linguistics to join a team in Computing that develops and applies artificial intelligence to theories of arguments and debates. The post is a fixed term contract to August 2025, with the intention of extending the post if additional funding is secured.

ARG-tech is a world-leading research group in the application of theories of argument. We have attracted funding of over

£10m and have over 200 peer-reviewed papers. We have led in the development of robust, standardised file formats, as well as designing an open-source, argument analysis tool (OVA) with thousands of users.

Our goal is to improve, teach and navigate discussions and debates that run our governmental and legal institutions; businesses and corporations; the media and broadcasting; academic research and intelligence analysis. We are passionate about public communication, and improving debate and analysis. We collaborate and consult with commercial and government organisations including IBM, Dstl, UN, WHO and the BBC.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the EU funded TITAN project. They will be involved in design, analysis, publishing and presenting work at conferences and in journals. The position offers the candidate an unparalleled opportunity to grow their expertise in fields such as argumentation theory, machine learning, large language models and AI. As a member of ARG-tech, a world-leading university-based research group, you will get the chance to drive innovation and best practices in this exciting, fast-growing field.

Your priorities will include:

• To contribute to core theory, algorithms and techniques in computational linguistics.
• To contribute to the management and growth of our open data infrastructure, including development of new corpora for argument mining.
• To explore sub-specialisms in the context of fake news and disinformation.
• Develop prototypes and tools incorporating computational linguistics techniques for use in the TITAN project.
• Liaise with our project partners plus industrial and end-user groups that form the environment of our users and partners for the TITAN project.

Who we’re looking for:

• PhD in an appropriate subject.
• Broad knowledge of current approaches in computational linguistics.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including evidence of team working and the ability to be proactive.
• Meticulous attention to detail, producing work of consistently high standard, and the ability to generate well-written documentation.
• Ability to balance competing demands and prioritise effectively, monitoring own progress and working to tight deadlines, and to make independent decisions.

We are one of the UK’s leading universities – internationally recognised for our expertise across disciplines, including science, medicine and engineering. Conveniently located on the banks of River Tay, our city-centre campus is at the heart of Dundee - an up-and-coming, friendly, compact and affordable city with a rich heritage in design and technology.

For further information please Dr.John Lawrence (j.lawrence@dundee.ac.uk) and visit www.arg.tech.

The diversity of our staff and students helps make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate and postgraduate. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter, Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.

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