Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)
Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Cambridge Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a team to develop inclusive multilingual NLP methods and evaluate research findings.
  • Company: Be part of the University of Cambridge's cutting-edge Language Technology Lab.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant research community and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Contribute to global equity in language technology while collaborating with top researchers.
  • Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience required; those pending their PhD can apply as Research Assistants.
  • Other info: Applications close on 15 June 2025; informal enquiries welcome.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

Applications are invited for two Research Assistant / Research Associate posts 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.

Responsibilities of the post holders include:

  • The development of new methods for multilingual Natural Language Processing (NLP) in the areas of culturally aware NLP or multilingual conversational NLP.
  • Integration of such methods to support language technology in multiple languages.
  • Evaluation of methods, dissemination of research findings and development of grant proposals.

The successful candidates 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.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience). Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

In order for your application to be considered, please upload the following:

  • A covering letter outlining how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role in the Upload section of the online application.
  • A research publication list.
  • Names and contact details of two referees who are familiar with your work.

If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Informal enquiries about the role are welcomed and should be directed to Professor Anna Korhonen on alk23@cam.ac.uk. For questions on the application process, please contact the School's HR Team on mmllpersonnel@admin.cam.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Sunday 15 June 2025. Please quote reference GP46130 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.

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Contact Detail:

University of Cambridge Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in Natural Language Processing (NLP), especially in multilingual and culturally aware contexts. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the project.

✨Tip Number 2

Engage with the work of Prof. Anna Korhonen and the Language Technology Lab. Follow their publications and research outputs to understand their focus areas, which can provide valuable insights for your discussions during the application process.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current or former members of the Language Technology Lab or similar research groups. They can offer insider tips on the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare thoughtful questions about the EQUATE project and its goals. Asking insightful questions during your interview can showcase your enthusiasm and critical thinking skills, making you a standout candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Multilingual Conversational NLP
Culturally Aware NLP
Research Methodology
Data Analysis
Programming Skills (Python, R, or similar)
Machine Learning Techniques
Statistical Analysis
Grant Proposal Development
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Communication Skills
Evaluation and Assessment of Methods
Publication Writing
Project Management
Adaptability to New Technologies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Project: Familiarise yourself with the EQUATE project and its goals. Highlight your understanding of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and how it relates to global equity in your application.

Craft a Tailored Covering Letter: Write a covering letter that specifically addresses how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be sure to explain why you are interested in this role and how you can contribute to the project.

Prepare Your Research Publication List: Compile a comprehensive list of your research publications, ensuring it is formatted correctly. This will showcase your academic contributions and relevance to the position.

Select Appropriate Referees: Choose two referees who are familiar with your work and can provide strong recommendations. Make sure to include their contact details and inform them in advance about your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge

✨Understand the Project Goals

Familiarise yourself with the EQUATE project and its objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your skills in Natural Language Processing can contribute to making language technologies more equitable globally.

✨Showcase Relevant Experience

Highlight any previous work or research related to multilingual NLP or culturally aware technologies. Be specific about your contributions and how they align with the responsibilities of the role.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the interdisciplinary team dynamics or the specific challenges faced in developing inclusive language technologies.

✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills

Since the role involves working with various collaborators, be ready to provide examples of how you have successfully worked in teams. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and adapt to different perspectives.

Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)
University of Cambridge

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