PhD in Russian Linguistics: ChatGPT Meets the Russian Constructicon

Updated: 7 months ago
Deadline: 31 Aug 2023

Stig Brøndbo
31st August 2023

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Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education 
PhD in Russian Linguistics: ChatGPT Meets the Russian Constructicon
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The position

A PhD position is available at the Department of Language and Culture , Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education in Russian linguistics. The successful candidate will be joining CLEAR (Cognitive Linguistics: Empirical Approaches to Russian ); a research group at UiT that pursues empirical research in the framework of cognitive linguistics with the aim of building electronic resources that support research-based student-centered language pedagogy. The CLEAR group at UiT (together with partners at HSE University in Moscow) has developed the largest digital resource of constructions for any language of the world, namely the Russian Constructicon , with over 2200 constructions. Our Russian Constructicon resource has numerous features that will prove especially valuable in the research that this PhD candidate will pursue.

The objective of the position is to complete research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Admission to the PhD programme is a prerequisite for employment, and the programme period starts on commencement of the position. 

The PhD fellow position is for a period of three years and full time studies with the possibility of an extension of the appointment period. If the doctoral dissertation is submitted for appraisal within 3 years or within 3.5 years, the PhD candidate is qualified for a completion grant for either 12 or 6 months. The completion grant should be used to further qualification measures such as courses in teaching in higher education, lecturing and other relevant work at the faculty. More information about the completion grant scheme can be found here .

The workplace is at UiT in Tromsø. You must be able to start in the position within a reasonable time after receiving the offer.


The position’s field of research

AI text generators such as ChatGPT and similar Large Language Models open up a plethora of theoretical, practical, and pedagogical questions, some of which will be addressed by this PhD project. The goal is to probe the boundary between the types of constructions where ChatGPT is highly competent and the types of constructions where it fails. In this way we can learn more about theoretical modeling of language and how second language learning can benefit from using AI text generators. The theoretical framework for this project is Construction Grammar, and the starting point will be the Russian Constructicon , which focuses primarily on multi-word constructions.

ChatGPT can be fairly clumsy with constructions that involve social situations like hints, jokes, and insults. For example, take the Russian VP za glaza construction, as in Ivan za glaza nazyvaet Veru glupoj [literally: Ivan toward a place behind eyes calls Vera stupid], means ‘Ivan calls Vera stupid behind her back.’ This construction entails intentional exclusion of Vera from a situation. The pragmatic inference is that Ivan is doing something that he doesn’t share with Vera, but ChatGPT is (at present, at least) unable to correctly react to this construction. A thorough probe of ChatGPT and similar AI text generators is needed to determine where exactly the Large Language Models succeed and fail. The limits of AI text generators are probably not random. These limits are likely motivated by patterns in the structures and systems of constructions, and investigation of these limits will also reveal more about how constructions work in language, as well as about how to overcome such limitations.

Human learners face some similar challenges in interpreting pragmatic implications. The more we learn about the systems of constructions, the more we can strategically target language teaching to maximize achievement. Identification of the constructions that ChatGPT fails to understand will make it possible to optimize language instruction: ChatGPT can provide virtually unlimited opportunities for practice with the types of constructions that it handles well, and the constructions that ChatGPT cannot interpret can be integrated in other resources for language learning and practice.


The applicants must present a description outlining the academic basis of the PhD project. The project description shall not exceed 10 pages, literature references included. It must include a description of the topic, research question(s) and a reasoning of the choices. It should also indicate the methodologies to be used. The final project description will be developed in cooperation with the supervisor.

Template for the project description can be found here .


The Department of Language and Culture

The Department’s core activities are research, teaching, and dissemination within linguistics, literature, art history, and media and documentation studies. The Department hosts 85 permanent employees, 12 adjunct professors, and approximately 25 PhD fellows, as well as roughly 25 temporary research and teaching positions.

The Department has a very active and diverse research profile. It houses one of the world’s most excellent research communities in linguistics represented by the AcqVA Aurora Center, and with research groups within cognitive linguistics (CLEAR), Sami language technology (Giellatekno and Divvun), theoretical linguistics (CASTL-FISH) and sociolinguistics and revitalization, Multilingual North: Diversity, Education and Revitalisation (MultiNor).

The Department’s research communities within literature, art history, and media and documentation studies are nationally highly competitive, and are organised into research groups such as «Health, Art and Society» (HAS), Russian Space (RSCPR), Libraries, archives, museums, in the community (LAMCOM), Arctic art and culture (WONA and Arctic Voices), Just Literature (JUL) and Interdisciplinary Phenomenology (IP).

The Department offers one-year programmes, as well as full Bachelor and Master programmes in the following fields: General linguistics, literature, art history, media and documentation studies, English, Kven, Finnish, Norwegian, Russian, Sami, Spanish, and German. It also offers PhD programmes in linguistics, cultural/literary studies, art history, as well as media and documentation studies.


Contact

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Laura A. Janda:

or Head of Department Cathrine Theodorsen: 


via Unsplash
Qualifications

This position requires a master’s degree or equivalent in Russian Language and/or General Linguistics. Applicants must be able to document proficiency in both Russian and English and be able to work in an international environment. 

In the assessment, the emphasis is on the applicant's potential to complete a research education based on the master's thesis or equivalent. The project description will also be considered. In addition, other experience of significance for the completion of the doctoral programme may be given consideration.

We will also emphasize motivation and personal suitability for the position. We are looking for candidates who:

  • Have good collaboration skills
  • Have good communication and interaction with colleagues and students

As many people as possible should have the opportunity to undertake organized research training. If you already hold a PhD or have equivalent competence, we will not appoint you to this position.


Admission to the PhD programme 

For employment in the PhD position, you must be qualified for admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education  and participate in organized doctoral studies within the employment period.

Admission normally requires:  

  • A bachelor's degree of 180 ECTS and a master's degree of 120 ECTS, or an integrated master's degree of 300 ECTS. 
  • A master's thesis with a scope corresponding to at least 30 ECTS for a master's degree of 120 ECTS. 
  • A master's thesis with a scope corresponding to at least 20 ECTS for an integrated master's degree of 300 ECTS. 

UiT normally accepts higher education from countries that are part of the Lisbon Recognition Convention.


All applicants should have a grade point average of B (or equivalent) in their master’s degree in order to be admitted to the PhD programme. The grade point average also applies to 300 ECTS points integrated five-year master’s degrees, in which all courses are to be included in the grade point average. A more detailed description of admission requirements can be found here . 

Applicants with a foreign education will be subjected to an evaluation of whether the educational background is equal to Norwegian higher education, following national guidelines from NOKUT . Depending on which country the education is from, one or two additional years of university education may be required to fulfil admission requirements, e.g. a 4-year bachelor's degree and a 2-year master's degree. 


Inclusion and diversity

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is working actively to promote equality, gender balance and diversity among employees and students, and to create an inclusive and safe working environment. We believe that inclusion and diversity are a strength, and we want employees with different competencies, professional experience, life experience and perspectives.

If you have a disability, a gap in your CV or immigrant background, we encourage you to tick the box for this in your application. If there are qualified applicants, we invite at least one in each group for an interview. If you get the job, we will adapt the working conditions if you need it. Apart from selecting the right candidates, we will only use the information for anonymous statistics.


UiT via Unsplash UiT
We offer
  • Involvement in an interesting research project 
  • Good career opportunities 
  • A good academic environment with dedicated colleagues  
  • Flexible working hours and a state collective pay agreement  
  • Pension scheme through the state pension fund 
  • PhD Fellows are normally given a salary of 501 200 NOK/year with a 3% yearly increase

Norwegian health policy aims to ensure that everyone, irrespective of their personal finances and where they live, has access to good health and care services of equal standard. As an employee you will become member of the National Insurance Scheme which also include health care services.

More practical information about working and living in Norway can be found here: https://uit.no/staffmobility


Application 

Your application must include: 

  • CV
  • Cover letter explaining your motivation and research interests
  • Diploma for bachelor's and master's degree
  • Transcript of grades/academic record for bachelor's and master's degree
  • Explanation of the grading system for foreign education (Diploma Supplement if available)
  • Documentation of English proficiency
  • References with contact information
  • Master’s thesis, and any other academic works
  • Project description ( max 10 pages)

Qualification with a master’s degree is required before commencement in the position. If you are near completion of your master’s degree, you may still apply and submit a draft version of the thesis and a statement from your supervisor or institution indicating when the degree will be obtained. You must still submit your transcripts for the master’s degree with your application.

All documentation to be considered must be in a Scandinavian language or English. Diplomas and transcripts must also be submitted in the original language, if not in English or Scandinavian. If English proficiency is not documented in the application, it must be documented before starting in the position. We only accept applications and documentation sent via Jobbnorge within the application deadline. 


General information 

The appointment is made in accordance with State regulations and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants . 

Remuneration for the position of PhD Fellow is in accordance with the State salary scale code 1017. A compulsory contribution of 2 % to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will be deducted. You will become a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which gives you many benefits in addition to a lifelong pension: You may be entitled to financial support if you become ill or disabled, your family may be entitled to financial support when you die, you become insured against occupational injury or occupational disease, and you can get good terms on a mortgage. Read more about your employee benefits at: spk.no .


A shorter period of appointment may be decided when the PhD Fellow has already completed parts of their research training programme or when the appointment is based on a previous qualifying position PhD Fellow, research assistant, or the like in such a way that the total time used for research training amounts to three years. 

We process personal data given in an application or CV in accordance with the Personal Data Act (Offentleglova). According to the Personal Data Act information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure. You will receive advance notification in the event of such publication, if you have requested non-disclosure. 


Charter & Code - Torger Grytå via Unsplash Charter & Code - Torger Grytå
Eallju - Developing the High North

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a multi-campus comprehensive university at the international forefront. Our vision is to be a driving force for developing the High North. The Northern Sami notion eallju, which means eagerness to work, sets the tone for this motive power at UiT. Along with students, staff and the wider community, we aim to utilise our location in Northern Norway and Sápmi, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio and interdisciplinary advantage to shape the future.

Our social mission is to provide research-based education of high quality, perform artistic development and carry out research of the highest international quality standards in the entire range from basic to applied. We will convey knowledge about disciplines and contribute to innovation. Our social mission unites UiT across various studies, research fields and large geographical distances. This demands good cooperation with trade and industry and civil society as well as with international partners. We will strengthen knowledge-based and sustainable development at a regional, national and international level.


Academic freedom and scientific and ethical principles form the basis for all UiT’s activities. Participation, co-determination, transparency and good processes will provide the decision-making basis we need to make wise and far-sighted priorities. Our students and staff will have the opportunity to develop their abilities and potential. Founded on academic integrity, we will be courageous, committed and generous in close contact with disciplines, people and contemporary developments.

We will demonstrate adaptability and seek good and purposeful utilisation of resources, so we are ready to meet the expectations and opportunities of the future. We will strengthen the quality and impact of our disciplines and core tasks through the following three strategic priority areas.


Apply for this job
Deadline

31st August 2023


Employer

UiT The Arctic University of Norway


Municipality


Tromsø - Romsa


Scope

Fulltime (1 positions) Fulltime (%)


Duration

Fixed Term


Place of service
Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø

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