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- Tasks: Innovate language analysis for asylum seekers using cutting-edge technology and research.
- Company: Lancaster University, a top-ranked research institution in a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Agile working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in migration studies while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and experience with language technologies and data analysis.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and enjoy the beautiful North West of England.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Job Purpose
Linguistics and English Language within the School of Social Sciences at Lancaster University is seeking to appoint a Senior Research Associate to work on a subproject of the Common European Language Indication and Analysis (CELIA) project. The EU-funded CELIA project aims to innovate, optimise and improve the language analysis procedures that EU+ migration authorities use when investigating asylum seekers’ identities and countries of origin.
In close collaboration with colleagues at the University of York, the Lancaster-led subproject specifically contributes towards the methodological development and testing of automatic and semi-automatic language indications for Arabic language variants. The subproject turns to solutions in linguistics, speech science and speech technology to feed into this strand of the CELIA project. In line with the guiding principles of the CELIA project, the specific methods in focus promote explainability, transparency and use of reliable gold-standard training data.
Key Responsibilities
- Adapt and test existing automatic accent/dialect classification technology
- Generate results and data visualisations to reflect system performance under different conditions
- Collaborate with the project team to objectively evaluate system performance
- Contribute to the development of project reports and academic outputs
Person specification / Qualifications
It is not expected that the postholder will be already familiar with automatic accent/dialect classification systems, but they will have demonstrable experience in learning, using and testing new methods and language technologies. In addition, the postholder will have demonstrated that they can meet project deadlines and report results through a range of presentation modes (e.g., oral presentations, written reports and publications).
The postholder will have a PhD in speech science, speech technology, linguistics, data science, computer science or related discipline. Ideally, they will have experience in working with large datasets of speech recordings or language through programming with a language like Python or similar.
Additional information
A parallel post is also being advertised at the University of York for a researcher with specialisms in Arabic.
The successful applicant will be in post by 1st December 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The post is full-time and fixed term for 24 months. The role will be based at our Bailrigg campus in Lancaster, but agile working may be possible in this role, providing the opportunity for the postholder to split their working time between on and off campus.
Lancaster University is highly ranked and research-led and situated near the historic city of Lancaster. The North West of England offers high standards of living, beautiful countryside, including the Lake District, and excellent national and international transport connectivity. For more information, see Jobs – Lancaster University.
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Senior Research Associate employer: Lancaster University
Contact Detail:
Lancaster University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Lancaster University or those involved in the CELIA project. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the project details. Understand the methodologies and technologies mentioned in the job description. We want to show that we’re not just interested, but genuinely excited about contributing to the research!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our skills with examples! When discussing our experience, relate it directly to the responsibilities listed. If we’ve worked with large datasets or programming, let’s highlight those achievements clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our submission to fit the specific requirements of the role perfectly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in speech science and language technologies. We want to see how your skills align with the CELIA project, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or research!
Showcase Your Skills: When detailing your experience, focus on your ability to learn and test new methods. We’re looking for someone who can adapt quickly, so share examples of how you've tackled challenges in past roles, especially with programming or data analysis.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex topics like automatic accent classification.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Lancaster University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the CELIA project and its objectives. Understand how your role as a Senior Research Associate fits into the bigger picture. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you articulate how your skills can contribute to the project's success.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with programming languages like Python and any relevant technologies you've used in speech science or data analysis. Bring examples of past projects where you've successfully implemented new methods or technologies, as this will demonstrate your capability to adapt and innovate.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of specific instances where you've worked effectively in a team. Be ready to discuss how you contributed to group projects, handled conflicts, and ensured that deadlines were met. This will highlight your teamwork skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Given the emphasis on reporting results through various presentation modes, practice explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to present your findings or ideas during the interview, so being able to communicate effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
