Research Fellow - School of English, Drama and Creative Studies - 97695 - Grade 7

Position Details

Research Fellow - Geolinguistic Profiling

School of English, Drama and Creative Studies

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £30,942 to £40,332.

Grade/Band 7

Full Time - FTC until 31st March 2022

Closing date: 25th July 2021

Background

The Department of English Language and Linguistics at the University of Birmingham is now recruiting for a Research Fellow to help develop computational methods for geolinguistic profiling for application in a forensic context. The general task involves predicting the regional origin of individual texts based on its language, working primarily with large corpora of geolocated English-language Twitter data.. The project is led by Prof. Jack Grieve and funded by the Home Office and in collaboration with the National Crime Agency.

The successful candidate should have a background in natural language processing, computational linguistics, machine learning, corpus linguistics, data science, or computational social science, although researchers with backgrounds in other areas will also be considered. A candidate with a PhD is preferable but we will also consider applicants with other qualifications. Advanced knowledge of the Python or R programming languages and of modern methods for machine learning is essential. Knowledge of sociolinguistics or geographic information science would be an advantage but is not essential. 

This role is offered full time at Grade 7, with a starting annual salary of between £30,942 and £40,322 pro-rata depending on qualifications and experience. The project end date is 31 March 2022, although there is possibility for at least a one year renewal depending on performance and confirmation of funding. Preference will be given to candidates who can start immediately, given the short nature of the project. Please note there will be limited opportunities for publication.

Summary of Role

• Predicting the regional origin of individual texts based on its language, working primarily with large corpora of geolocated English-language Twitter data
• •Operate within area of specialism
• •Analyse and interpret research findings and results

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews*
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Deal with the problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*

Person Specification

• Advanced knowledge of the Python or R programming languages and of modern methods for machine learning is essential.
•  First degree in area of specialism and a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications. . A candidate with a PhD is preferable but we will also consider applicants with other qualifications
•  High level analytical capability
•  Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Knowledge of sociolinguistics or geographic information science would be an advantage but is not essential
•  Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
•  Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
•  Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• •Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquires to Professor Jack Grieve, email: [email protected]  

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working