PostDoc Researcher in the area of information retrieval and NLP

Deadline: 28.05.2024

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) has opened a full-time position for a PostDoc Researcher in the area of Information Retrieval and Natural Language Processing with a research focus on deep learning and large language models architectures, at the Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI) located in the USI-SUPSI Campus in Lugano, within the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA). Contract starts December 1st, 2024, or date to be agreed upon.

TASKS

• Conduct innovative research in the field of deep learning, with a focus on applications of Large Language Models.
• Design and implement experiments to explore novel approaches and techniques in language modeling and generation.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address complex challenges in NLP and related fields.
• Support the NLP team (https://nlp.idsia.ch/) in research-oriented and application-oriented projects.
• Publish research findings in top-tier conferences and journals.

REQUIREMENTS

Technical background and skills

• Ph.D. in Computer Engineering or a related field, with a strong focus on deep learning. An MSc qualification might be considered in exceptional cases.
• Proficiency in machine learning and deep learning techniques, particularly in relation to large language models.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with relevant libraries/frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Good track record of publications.

Soft skills

• Very good communication skills in spoken and written English.
• Ability to work in a team and in a collaborative environment.
• Autonomy.

Preferential requirements

• Demonstrated expertise in natural language processing, including but not limited to language modeling, text generation, and information retrieval.
• Familiarity with the Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) framework and related methodologies.
• Familiarity with deep learning libraries (e.g. ONNX), or NLP libraries (e.g. spaCy).
• Experience with software development and open-source contributions.
• Knowledge of additional languages and/or experience working with multilingual NLP models.
• Prior experience in industry or academia, working on real-world applications.
• Knowledge of one or more Swiss national languages is a plus.

WE OFFER

• An initial employment contract of two years, with intent of prolongation
• Attractive salary, in line with Swiss standards and the candidate's experience.
• An international working environment.
• Travel support to participate to high quality conferences and workshops.
• Opportunity to develop professional and scientific skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The requirements for this function are published as part of SUPSI’s internal regulations and as part of the SUPSI employee regulations on the website www.supsi.ch (follow the links to SUPSI, “Documenti ufficiali”).

For further information, please contact:

Fabio Rinaldi

fabio.rinaldi@supsi.ch

Applicants should submit the following documents, written in English:

• Curriculum vitae and publications list.
• Name and e-mail address of two reference contacts.
• Motivation letter, including a brief description of past research experience and future interests (1-2 pages).
• Copy of at least three scientific papers published in international journals or international conference proceedings.
• Copy of identity document
• Criminal record valid for 6 months.

Applications will be considered only if submitted electronically within 28.05.2024, through the appropriate form. Applications that are incomplete, submitted to other addresses, or submitted beyond the deadline, will be not accepted.

(Rif. 2022_DTI)