30 November: fyi -- computational linguistics, SA

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The Centre for Text Technology at the North-West University (Potchefstroom
Campus) in South Africa is looking for candidates to fill 2 postdoctoral
positions in Natural Language Processing.

Minimum requirements:
- PhD in Computational Linguistics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering,
or related fields.
- Strong programming skills (C/C++, Perl, Java).
- Thorough knowledge of and experience in main statistical and machine
learning approaches.
- The ability to work well in a diverse team.
- Full spoken and written proficiency of English.

Preferred/recommended requirements:
- Experience in other programming languages.
- Experience in machine translation.
- Industrial experience or a track-record of project-based experimental work.
- Good research profile and publication rate.
- Knowledge of or fluency in a Germanic language and/or Bantu language.

Job description:
The two postdocs will contribute to current and future research projects
within the Centre for Text Technology. These projects are either funded by
the South African 'National Research Foundation', or by the North-West
University. Postdocs participating in these projects can expect to gain
considerable research experience in Natural Language Processing and text
technology (as well as limited exposure to speech technologies). More info
on current projects can be found at http://ctext.nwu.ac.za/Research.html

Other planned projects include research on the development of text and
speech technologies for closely-related languages (not limited to South
African languages), especially with a view on machine translation.

It will be expected from the postdocs to publish in acknowledged
(inter)national journals, present research results at local and
international conferences, and stimulate research within the Centre.

Commencement:
As soon as possible, or as soon as convenient. (Open invitation)

Contract period:
12 months. Depending on work performance and the availability of funding,
both posts may be renewed after the initial 12 months.

Remuneration:
Remuneration according to the South African National Research Foundation's
benchmarks. No fringe benefits included. Annual leave according to labour
law regulations and University practice included.

Additional information:
- A certain amount of the library budget allocation will be made available
to expand the current library collection.
- You will be encouraged to apply for funding for conference attendance,
within the University's framework for research funding, as well as external
funding (e.g. National Research Foundation).

Centre for Text Technology:
Read more about the Centre for Text Technology (CTexT) at
http://www.ctext.co.za/ or http://ctext.nwu.ac.za/
We offer a friendly and enthusiastic working environment, good
computational facilities, interaction across academic disciplines
(including linguists, phonologists/acoustic phoneticians, statisticians,
engineers, and computer scientists). All projects are supported by a
project manager and full-time programmer.

Application and deadline:
To apply, email a CV (including a statement of research interests, as well
as names and contact information for two references) to Gerhard van
Huyssteen (Gerhard.VanHuyssteen@nwu.ac.za) as soon as possible.

For more information, contact Gerhard van Huyssteen at
Gerhard.VanHuyssteen@nwu.ac.za, or at +27 18 299 1567 / 1503.

The North-West University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action
employer. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.


Application Deadline: 31-Jul-2008 (Open until filled)

Email Address for Applications: Gerhard.VanHuyssteen@nwu.ac.za
Contact Information:
Gerhard van Huyssteen
Email: Gerhard.VanHuyssteen@nwu.ac.za
Phone: +27 18 299 1567 / 1503

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