At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project to develop multilingual Natural Language Processing methods.
- Company: Be part of the prestigious University of Cambridge, renowned for its research excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant research community and opportunities for collaboration with experts.
- Why this job: Contribute to equitable language technologies and make a global impact in AI.
- Qualifications: Must have a strong background in computer science or related fields and excellent programming skills.
- Other info: Applications are open until June 15, 2025; start your PhD journey with us!
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a PhD studentship on the project EQUATE - a project that investigates how Natural Language Processing (NLP) could be made globally more equitable. This UKRI Frontier project was selected for funding by the European Research Council (ERC) and is led by Prof. Anna Korhonen. The goal of the project is to investigate the challenges in the development of globally inclusive language technologies and to design transformative approaches to overcome them.
The student will develop new methods for multilingual NLP that can be applied also to low resource languages. Research will involve the development of new data, techniques, and evaluations. The successful candidate will also take part in dissemination of research findings.
The student will work as part of the interdisciplinary project team involving many local and external collaborators. They will be a member of the vibrant and highly research-active Language Technology Lab and the larger community of researchers who conduct cutting-edge research into NLP and AI within the University of Cambridge.
Education
- An excellent first degree in computer science, engineering or a closely related field
Skills And Experience
- A strong track record of previous research in multilingual NLP
- Track record of authoring high quality academic publications
- Excellent programming skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Experience of working independently as well as part of a team
How To Apply
If you have already been accepted to start your PhD in Computation, Cognition and Language with Prof Anna Korhonen as your project supervisor, please send an email to alk23@cam.ac.uk, quoting reference GP46148 on the subject line of your email, and attach a cover letter explaining why you are interested in applying for this studentship.
If you have not yet been accepted for a PhD, please visit: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/ and click 'Apply Now' selecting the following course: PhD in Computation, Cognition and Language (Full-time)
Start Date: 1st January 2026
Project Supervisor: Professor Anna Korhonen
Project Title: Include title as listed above
Research Proposal: Include project details as listed above
Completed applications (with ALL supporting documentation and references) to be submitted via the portal by 23:59pm (midnight) (BST) on Sunday 15 June 2025 at the latest.
If you have any questions about this vacancy please contact: Professor Anna Korhonen (email: alk23@cam.ac.uk). Please quote reference GP46148 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
PhD Studentship in Multilingual Natural Language Processing (Fixed Term) employer: University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship in Multilingual Natural Language Processing (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in multilingual NLP. Follow relevant research papers and attend webinars or conferences to stay updated. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also show your genuine interest in the field during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current PhD students or researchers in the Language Technology Lab at Cambridge. Engaging with them can provide insights into the lab's culture and ongoing projects, which you can reference in conversations or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail. Be ready to explain how your work aligns with the goals of the EQUATE project, particularly in developing inclusive language technologies for low-resource languages.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your programming skills by contributing to open-source projects related to NLP. This practical experience can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to advancing the field.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship in Multilingual Natural Language Processing (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project: Familiarise yourself with the EQUATE project and its goals. Highlight your understanding of how multilingual NLP can be made more equitable in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that explains your interest in the studentship and how your background aligns with the project's objectives. Be specific about your previous research and its relevance.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your track record in multilingual NLP, including any publications or projects you've worked on. Make sure to detail your programming skills and teamwork experience.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow the application instructions precisely. Include all required documentation and references, and remember to quote the reference GP46148 in your correspondence.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous research in multilingual NLP during the interview. Discuss specific projects you've worked on, the methodologies you used, and any publications you've authored. This will demonstrate your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Demonstrate Programming Skills
Be prepared to discuss your programming skills in detail. Mention the languages you're proficient in and provide examples of how you've applied these skills in your research. If possible, bring along a portfolio or code samples to showcase your work.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent oral and written communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you may need to convey your ideas to a diverse audience. Consider preparing a brief presentation on your research interests to share during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Independence
The role involves working both independently and as part of a team. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others on research projects, as well as instances where you've taken the initiative to work independently. This will show your versatility and adaptability.