The Human-Centered Data Science group led by Prof. Researcher (PhD candidate), all genders welcome
Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L, 100 %, Starting Date: July 2026 (open until filled), Duration: 3 years, Research Field: Cognitively-Inspired Natural Language Processing, Location: The Human-Centered Data Science group is affiliated with the Institute of Computer Science and the Campus Institute Data Science (CIDAS) at the University of Göttingen. Our research is inter-disciplinary at its core, and we cooperate closely with colleagues from other faculties (e.g., We take a human-centered perspective on natural language processing and focus on cross-lingual and cognitively-inspired research questions.
Project:
KIND-LM: Cognitively-inspired interaction dynamics for sample-efficient language modeling
This project develops a cognitively grounded approach for interactive lan-guage modeling that integrates feedback mechanisms inspired by child-caregiver communica-tion. Unlike existing teacher-student ap-proaches, which assume unilateral feedback, we focus on the temporal and linguistic interaction dynamics and on the interaction initiative. The project is a collaboration between Lisa Beinborn (Professor of Human-Centered Data Sci-ence) and Nivedita Mani (Professor of Psychology of Language). It advances research on cogni-tively-inspired sample-efficient modeling and contributes to the Priority Programme LaSTing (“Robust Assessment & Safe Applicability of Language Modelling: Foundations for a New Field of Language Science & Technology”).
In this position, you have the chance to pursue a PhD degree. conduct innovative research in the context of the project.
collaborate with the project partners and contribute to meetings of the priority pro-gramme
communicate research results in peer-reviewed proceedings and journals, and present them at international research conferences.
take an active role in the co-supervision of student theses related to the project.
engage in the activities and events of the research group.
has obtained a very good master’s degree in computer science, cognitive science, compu-tational linguistics, machine learning, or a related discipline.
has gained experience with natural language processing research and demonstrates a strong interest in the psycholinguistic aspects of the project outlined above.
shows very good command of written and spoken English (knowledge of German and oth-er languages is beneficial)
The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encour-aged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. Letter of motivation: one page, including a clear indication of why this particular position is interesting for you and what makes you a qualified candidate (no generic AI slop)
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