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3-year PhD position in Computational Models of Semantic Memory and its Acquisition (Inria and University of Lille, France)
We invite applications for a 3-year PhD position at the University of
Lille in the context of the recently funded research project
"COMANCHE" (Computational Models of Lexical Meaning and Change). The
position is funded by Inria, the French national research institute in
Computer Science and Applied Mathematics.
COMANCHE proposes to transfer and adapt neural word embeddings
algorithms to model the acquisition and evolution of word meaning, by
comparing them with linguistic theories on language acquisition and
language evolution. At the intersection between Natural Language
Processing, psycholinguistics and historical linguistics, this project
intends to validate or revise some of these theories, while also
developing computational models that are less data hungry and
computationally intensive as they exploit new inductive biases
inspired by these disciplines.
The first strand of the project, on which the successful candidate
will work, focuses on the development of computational models of
semantic memory and its acquisition. Two main research directions will
be pursued. On the one hand, we will compare the structural properties
associated to different semantic spaces derived from word embedding
algorithms to those found in human semantic memory as reflected in
behavioral data (such as typicality norms) as well as brain imaging
data. The latter data will then used as additional supervision to
inject more hierarchical structure into the learned semantic
spaces. One the other hand, we intend to experiment with training
regimes for word embedding algorithms that are closer to those of
humans when they acquire language, controlling the quantity as well as
the linguistic complexity of the inputs fed to the learning algorithms
through the use of longitudinal and child directed speech corpora
(e.g., CHILDES, Colaje). In both cases, both English and French data
will be considered.
The successful candidate holds a Master's degree in computational
linguistics or computer science or cognitive science and has prior
experience in word embedding models. Furthermore, the candidate will
provide strong programming skills, expertise in machine learning
approaches and is eager to work across languages.
The position is affiliated with the MAGNET team at Inria, Lille [1] as
well as with the SCALAB group at University of Lille [2] in an effort
to strenghten collaborations between these two groups, and ultimately
foster cross-fertilizations between Natural Language Processing and
Psycholinguistics.
Applications will be considered until the position is filled. However,
you are encouraged to apply early as we shall start processing the
applications as and when they are received. Applications, written in
English or French, should include a brief cover letter with research
interests and vision, a CV (including your contact address, work
experience, publications), and contact information for at least 2
referees. Applications (and questions) should be sent to Angèle
Brunellière (angele.brunelliere@univ-lille.fr) and Pascal Denis
(pascal.denis@inria.fr).
The starting date of the position is 1 October 2022 or soon
thereafter, for a total of 3 full years.
Best regards,
Angèle Brunellière and Pascal Denis
[1] https://team.inria.fr/magnet/
[2] https://scalab.univ-lille.fr/
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Pascal
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Pour une évaluation indépendante, transparente et rigoureuse !
Je soutiens la Commission d'Évaluation de l'Inria.
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Pascal Denis
Equipe MAGNET, INRIA Lille Nord Europe
Bâtiment B, Avenue Heloïse
Parc scientifique de la Haute Borne
59650 Villeneuve d'Ascq
Tel: ++33 3 59 35 87 24
Url: http://researchers.lille.inria.fr/~pdenis/
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