Research Fellow in Natural Language Processing – School of Government – 101731 – Grade 8

Job Description

Job title: Research Fellow in Natural Language Processing – School of Government – 101731 – Grade 8

Company: University of Birmingham

Job description: Job Description:

Position Details

School of Government

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £45,585 to £54,395 with potential progression once in post to £61,198

Grade: 8

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2027

Closing date: 24th January 2024

Background

To create and disseminate knowledge through initiating and conducting original research and through publication, as appropriate to the disciplinary area.

The at the University of Birmingham invites applications for a Research Fellow with background in Machine Learning or Natural Language Processing to work on data science and AI applications across various : AI for Democracy; AI for Global Affairs; AI for Government and Policy; and AI for the Health and Climate change Nexus. This is a 3-year position.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and skilled researcher to play a pivotal role in the Centre’s mission to expand the role of AI and data science in the social sciences. This mission is institutionally supported through the Data Science and AI Initiative in the College of Social Sciences. The Centre is based within the , which coordinates AI research and education at the University of Birmingham.

As a Research Fellow you will have opportunities to obtain funding, lead projects, mentor students, and collaborate with governments and industry. You will work with an interdisciplinary team of computational social scientists, . You will collaborate with colleagues from the School of Government and College of Social Sciences. Through IIDSAI you will also collaborate with colleagues from other AI-related disciplines. For example, Computer Science, Mathematics, Linguistics, Psychology, Medicine, Energy and Sustainability. You will have access to , and . You will benefit from advanced training.

Role Summary

• Initiate and conduct original research which has measurable outcomes and is reflected in a growing national and often incipient international reputation
• Plan, design and co-ordinate research activities and programmes
• Contribute to the development of research strategies
• Publish results of own research
• Supervise PhD students
• Contribute to the Department/School through management/leadership
• Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement activities, widening participation, schools outreach or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University

Main Duties

To plan and carry out research, using appropriate methodology and techniques. This may include, where appropriate to the discipline:

• Pursue personal research including developing research ideas and winning support, including financial support
• Plan, publish and/or execute high quality research
• Project manage research activities, and/or supervise other research staff
• Present high quality findings in publications and conference proceedings
• Develop novel methodologies and techniques appropriate to the type of research being pursued
• Supervise and examine PhD students, both within and out with the University
• Provide expert advice to colleagues and students within discipline
• Contribute to the administration/management of research across the Department/School
• Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, , and public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University
• Contribute to some administrative activities within the University, typically relating to research
• Apply knowledge in a way that develops new intellectual understanding*
• Actively manages equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behaviour

• This indicative responsibility may also be included in a research role at a lower grade.

Person Specification

• Normally, a higher degree relevant to the research area (normally PhD) or equivalent qualifications
• Extensive research experience and scholarship within subject specialism
• Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results
• Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods
• Extensive experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity
• Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies, procedures are applied
• Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• Cover letter, detailing your proposed contribution to research themes of the Centre.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
• Two representative publications or preprints.
• Contact details for two academic referees.

Informal enquiries to Professor Slava Jankin, email: or Dr Timea Nochta, email:

We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone .

Expected salary: £45585 – 54395 per year

Location: United Kingdom

Job date: Thu, 28 Dec 2023 05:15:54 GMT

Apply for the job now!