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Are you interested in understanding the linguistic abilities and limitations of recent chatbots? Do you hold a Master's degree in Philosophy, Linguistics, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related discipline, or are you close to obtaining such a degree? Are you a creative and independent thinker who is passionate about language and science? If so, we encourage you to apply as a PhD candidate!
Recent years have seen remarkable progress in the fluency of chatbots (e.g. Chat GPT), spurred on by the development of large language models. In this PhD project, you will systematically investigate the linguistic abilities and limitations of these large language models. In particular, you will study to what extent recent chatbots understand linguistic meaning and language use. You will explain your findings on the basis of a thorough understanding of the technical architecture of large language models, and connect to recent theories of semantics and pragmatics. The ultimate goal of your project is to provide a fundamental understanding of the prospects of computerised communication.
You will participate in relevant conferences, workshops and seminars, and communicate your findings through publications in proceedings and peer-reviewed journals. Besides your research, you will have a standard 10% teaching load to help you develop your teaching skills and further qualify for a career as an independent academic researcher. You will also have the opportunity to further develop your skill set by attending courses that are relevant for your project and general development.
Fixed-term contract: You will be employed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract) or 3.5 years (5 year contract).
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.
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