We are seeking applications for a fully-funded one-year position as Research Assistant in Computational Linguistics, focusing on the development of Argumentation Knowledge Graphs for Advanced Search Engines. This project aims to create knowledge graphs that represent structured, multi-perspective arguments, enhancing search engines with enriched, balanced, and credible content. The work is pivotal in improving the reliability, transparency, and objectivity of search engines. In today’s landscape of information overload, misinformation, and biased narratives, these knowledge graphs empower search engines to showcase credible arguments from diverse perspectives, facilitating well-informed decision-making. This project is conducted in collaboration with OpenWebSearch.EU, providing access to extensive, high-quality open data crucial for building these comprehensive graphs. This partnership also enables the seamless integration of the graphs into search interfaces, creating a tool that enhances user engagement by delivering trustworthy, diverse perspectives on complex topics.

Project Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of Dr. Khalid Al Khatib, your role will involve developing computational methods to identify arguments and their various characteristics, constructing knowledge graphs from these arguments, and integrating the resulting graphs into search engines.


Organization

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has established an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative university offering high-quality teaching and research. Its 36,000 students are encouraged to develop their own individual talents through challenging study- and career paths. The University of Groningen is an international center of knowledge: It belongs to the best research universities in Europe and is allied with prestigious partner universities and networks worldwide.

The Faculty of Arts – which includes the Center for Language and Cognition (CLCG) – is located in the historic heart of the city of Groningen. You will be enrolled in the Graduate School for the Humanities, affiliated with the CLCG. CLCG engages in multidisciplinary linguistic, neuropsychological, and computational research on language and communication. You will work more closely with the Computational Linguistics group, consisting of 17 academic staff, 2 postdocs, and about 20 PhD students. You will also have the opportunity to join one of the National Research Schools, which offer training and funding opportunities for PhD students in the Netherlands.

Required Academic Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Computational Linguistics, Artificial Intelligence), or expected completion by the end of December.
- Proficiency in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and familiarity with Machine Learning (ML) using Python.
- Strong academic writing skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with the following experience are especially encouraged to apply:
- Experience in analyzing argumentative texts.
- Experience in constructing knowledge graphs.
- Excellent analytical skills and capacity to do innovative research.
- Team player mindset and aptitude for interdisciplinary research.

Note: Knowledge of Dutch is not required.

Fixed-term contract: 12 months.

In accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, we offer:
- A salary of € 2.847 up to a maximum of € 3.218 (scale 5.0 until 5.9) gross per month, based on a full-time position as Research Assistant (1.0 FTE) position. The salary is excluding 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, participation in a pension scheme for employees and excellent secondary benefits. We offer 232 holiday hours per calendar year for full-time employment.
- An appointment for 1.0 FTE on a temporary basis for 12 months.
- Willingness to move and reside in the Netherlands.
- Excellent work-life balance.

For more detailed information about working conditions and working for the University of Groningen, please check: https://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/

The appointment will commence as soon as possible, at the latest. An earlier starting date is possible.

Dr. Khalid Al-Khatib
khalid.alkhatib@rug.nl