quantities (0.8 - 1.0 FTE)
Job description
Vagueness is the pervasive phenomenon in which words have imprecisely defined boundaries, which are applied differently in different contexts and by different people. For example, when a patient report describes a baby's blood pressure as “too high”, or her condition as “stable”, these terms are interpreted differently by different clinicians. This PhD project will study mathematical and computational models of uncertainty and vagueness. In recent years, the literature in this area has shifted away from 2-valued towards multi-valued models, based on modern versions of Zadeh-style fuzzy set theory, on Gardenfors-style conceptual spaces, or on probabilistic models. But these models have rarely been tested with real data. This PhD project will use existing “big” datasets to find out which models predict and explain the data best. You get the opportunity to partly shape this project based on your own preferences; for example, you can focus on the interpretation or on the production (i.e., computational generation) of vague utterances.
Qualifications
You are a motivated researcher with a curious and critical mindset. You hold a Master's degree in an area relevant to this project; this could be Artificial Intelligence, Computational Cognitive Science, Computing Science, or Linguistics. A good mastery of NLP is essential as well as excellent English communication skills (verbal and written). We would also like you to take a strong interest in “fuzzy” and other models of natural language meaning and in machine learning.
Offer
In addition to the employment conditions laid down in the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. For example, there are agreements on professional development, leave arrangements and sports. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment via the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we like to encourage you to continue to grow.
About the organization
Sharing science, shaping tomorrow. A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
Additional information
If you have questions about this position, don't hesitate to contact Professor Massimo Poesio at [email protected] or Professor Kees van Deemter at [email protected] you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to [email protected].
Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
If this specific opportunity isn't for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.Some connections are fundamental – Be one of them
The application deadline is 29/05/2023