Machine translation in University of Edinburgh

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position within the Statistical Machine Translation group at the School of Informatics. The successful candidate will work closely with project partners across the EU to develop, integrate and adapt the latest research in Statistical Machine Translation to fulfil project obligations.
This post is full time and fixed term for 22 months. The post is available from 1st April 2016 (with possibility of extension).
Salary: £31,656 - £37,768 per annum
Closing Date: Wednesday 17th February 2016 at 5pm (GMT)
1. Job Details
Job title: Research Associate (Grade 7)
School/Support Department: School of Informatics
Line manager: Principal Investigator for the research programme
2. Project Details
The successful candidate will be expected to work on a European Project called TraMOOC, but will be involved in a number of other projects covering a broad spectrum of machine translation research areas. The goal of TraMOOC is to leverage the educational advantage of MOOCs across Europe, developing high-quality translation of all types of text genre (e.g. assignments, tests, presentations, lecture subtitles, blog text) from English into eleven European and BRIC languages.
3. Job Purpose
Research staff are normally employed to work on a particular project, based on restricted funding arising from a specific source, such as a UK Research Council grant or similar. (Occasionally a post-holder will work on more than one project). This job description sets out the very general nature of such a post. Specific responsibilities will be determined by the project itself, and the member of staff responsible for that project. This generic job description therefore incorporates the above project information, which specifies the areas of work, and the knowledge, skills and experience required for this post as specified below.
4. Representative Work Activities
? In general, to support the Principal Investigator of a specific project in achieving the goals of that project, under his/her direction.
? Undertaking a specific role in the research project under supervision.
Taking responsibility for some elements of the planned research.
? Planning and carrying out a work programme appropriate to the research activity.
? Developing own research portfolio in related areas.
? Contributing to the writing of research grants.
? Contributing to dissemination and publication of personal and/or research team’s findings as appropriate.
5. Planning and Organising
The post holder will have to agree a general plan of research with the Principal Investigator and progress will be monitored at pre-scheduled meetings.
6. Problem Solving
The problems to be faced are purely scientific and the post holder will supply the detailed expertise for delivering a solution. The post holder will be expected to achieve this under instruction by and with advice from the Principal Investigator and other academic and senior research staff.
7. Decision Making
The post holder will determine the specific techniques and approaches to be used in the course of the research, in agreement with the Principal Investigator.
8. Key Contacts/Relationships
The post holder will principally interact with the Principal Investigator and other project staff and students. More generally, the post holder will discuss the work, and other questions of scientific interest, with other members of the School. The post holder will be expected to represent the University externally, by presenting their work at specialist meetings or workshops in the relevant research area. They may also be required to provide advice and support to relevant students.
9. Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
? PhD (or near completion) in computer science, artificial intelligence, or a related discipline.
? Background in statistical machine translation, machine learning and natural language processing.
? Strong programming skills.
Desirable
The following criteria are not yes/no factors, but questions of degree. Recruitment will aim at selecting those candidates with the best possible performance in all these criteria:
? Experience with building large scale MT systems, and in particular with Moses.
? Experience with neural network translation models.
? Proven expertise in the techniques needed to undertake the research in question.
? Strong publication record.
? Demonstrated quality of research performance.
? Ability to communicate complex information clearly, orally and in writing.
10. Dimensions
There are no line management responsibilities associated with this post.
Informal Enquiries
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Alexandra Birch: a.birch-AT-ed.ac.uk
Application Procedure
All applicants should apply online by clicking the apply link at the bottom of this page and submitting an up to date CV. The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application. The online system allows you to submit a CV and other attachments.
You will be notified by email whether you have been shortlisted for interview or not.
The closing date is 5pm (GMT) on Wednesday 17th February 2016.