[iva] Postdoc position on Affective Natural Language Generation

[m.theune at utwente.nl]

[Apologies if you receive this mail more than once.] 

Postdoc position on Affective Natural Language Generation

The University of Twente (research group: Human Media Interaction) invites applications for a Postdoc position on Affective Language Generation within a research project funded by The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO): Producing affective language: Content selection, message formulation and computational modeling. 

This project studies the influence of emotion on language production. It consists of two subprojects, investigating: (1) how the emotional states of speakers influence the language they produce and (2) how the influence of emotion on language production can be modeled in computational tools for affective natural language generation. The Postdoc will work on the second subproject, involving analysis and generation of affective text. The main task will be the development and evaluation of novel computational tools for affective language generation, with possible applications in e.g., dialogues with virtual characters or the generation of emotionally slanted sports reports. The subproject also includes analysis of affective texts to inform the computational model. The model will also build on the experimental results from the first subproject, which is carried out at Tilburg University in close cooperation with the University of Twente.

Your profile

For the position we seek a candidate with a background in a relevant area, preferably in Natural Language Generation (NLG) or Natural Language Processing with an interest in NLG, but possibly also (in alphabetical order) in Artificial Intelligence, Computational Linguistics, Computer Science (with a focus on Natural Language Processing), or another related topic.

The applicant is a motivated researcher with good programming skills, and has proven experience with computational modeling of language and developing and evaluating natural language applications. In addition, she or he has an excellent command of English and good professional communication skills. An interest in experimental research is considered an advantage.

Information and application

For more information on the position, please contact dr. Mariët Theune (m.theune at utwente.nl). The full project proposal is available upon request.

Applications should be sent before December 1, 2016 through the link below and should include:

- A motivation letter,
- Curriculum Vitae,
- Title and abstract of your PhD dissertation,

- Two of your most relevant papers,
- Contact information of two references.  

Our offer

We offer a fulltime position for three years in an inspiring multidisciplinary and international environment. In accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) the gross monthly salary starts  from € 3068 gross per month in the first year and will increase, depending on experience and qualifications. The University of Twente provides excellent facilities for professional and personal development, a holiday allowance (8%) and an end-of-year bonus (8.3%) and a number of additional benefits.

The organization

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University of Twente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) comprises three disciplines that shape Information and Communication Technology. ICT is more than communication. In almost every product we use mathematics, electronics and computer technology and ICT now contributes to all of societies' activities. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. The research which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+, CTIT and MIRA.

Please apply online by following this link:

https://www.utwente.nl/en/organization/careers/vacancies/!/vacature/813982

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M. Theune
Human Media Interaction
University of Twente,
P.O. Box 217
7500 AE  Enschede
The Netherlands
Tel. +31 53 489 3817
Email: m.theune at utwente.nl
http://www.ewi.utwente.nl/~theune/
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