We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Senior Research Associate or Research Associate to join our Spoken Language Processing (SLP) project team within the virtual Automated Language Teaching and Assessment (ALTA) Institute in the Department of Engineering. You will extend our research into automatic assessment and feedback for learning spoken English as an additional language. We work on real-life free speaking and conversational exams and practice tests, funded and closely collaborating with Cambridge University Press and Assessment (CUP&A).

The post holder will be located in Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.

The key responsibilities and duties are to design and develop appropriate methodologies to address the above research objectives. This will involve planning and managing their own research activity and liaising with colleagues in the Speech Research Group at Cambridge and with the partner groups in ALTA and CUP&A.

The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role are a very good first degree in engineering, computer science or a closely related field and have obtained a PhD degree in an area related to speech technology, or equivalent experience. It is expected that candidates will have a good knowledge of speech software tools such as Kaldi, ESPnet, and/or general deep-learning tools such as pyTorch, and/or tools for spoken language assessment/CALL. Good knowledge of Python and the Linux OS is desirable.

In addition, applicants should exhibit good oral and written communication skills and have experience both of working in a team and managing their own workload.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience). Appointment at Senior Research Associate level is dependent on additional significant experience as a postdoctoral research associate or equivalent with proven impact from authored publications.

Salary Ranges:
Research Associate: £34,308 – £42,155
Senior Research Associate: £43,414-£54,949.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2024 in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

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.