Assistant Professor of Computational Linguistics - University of Oregon

Department: CAS Linguistics
Rank: Assistant Professor
Annual Basis: 9 Month

Application Deadline

November 1, 2023; Position open filled.

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research statement
• Teaching statement
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statement that highlights, in relation to the university context, (I) knowledge of, experience with, and interest in dimensions of DEI; (ii) a track record of engagement in activities that advance DEI; and (iii) plans with clear and detailed ideas for advancing DEI. Commitment to DEI can be demonstrated in a number of ways, including through teaching and research on matters related to DEI or through service that fosters DEI in a university community. Information on the UO Division of Equity and Inclusion and its goals can be consulted at inclusion.uoregon.edu/office-vice-president-equity-and-inclusion-vpei.
• Names and contact information for three referees. Letters will only be requested during the interview process.

Position Announcement

The University of Oregon’s Department of Linguistics invites applications for a tenure-track position of Assistant Professor in Linguistics, to begin in fall 2024. We seek candidates specializing in computational linguistics from a cognitive science perspective with expertise in speech signal processing and/or synthesis.

The successful candidate will have a research program that enhances the department’s research strengths and aligns with its intellectual framework. The successful candidate will help to prepare Linguistics students for jobs in the technology sector by teaching courses and mentoring students in computational linguistics and speech signal processing and/or synthesis. The candidate will also contribute to teaching and mentoring in the Interdisciplinary Cognitive Science minor and to educating Data Science majors. The ideal candidate will help develop a graduate-level track in computational linguistics, with the eventual goal of creating an MA-level program in the area.

We particularly welcome applications from scholars who identify as belonging to communities or populations historically underrepresented in the academy, and/or whose life experience would contribute unique perspectives to the department and university. Only applicants who aspire to excellence in teaching students from diverse backgrounds at the undergraduate and graduate levels will be successful.

Department or Program Summary

We are a growing department structured in its research and graduate program around 3 broad themes: language processing & human health; language learning & technology; linguistic diversity & society. We share a usage-based approach to understanding language, with strengths in experimental linguistics, laboratory phonology, language learning and teaching, language description and revitalization, and language change. The department has strong undergraduate and graduate programs, including a BA/BS in linguistics, an MA in language teaching, and PhD in linguistics. We are committed to growing our undergraduate minors in interdisciplinary cognitive sciences and increasing course offerings for data science majors, where linguistics is a core domain of application. See more at:linguistics.uoregon.edu.

We are committed to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our racial justice statement and diversity action plan can be consulted at linguistics.uoregon.edu/diversity-and-inclusion.

Minimum Requirements

• Completed a Ph.D. in Linguistics or in a related field by the time of appointment.
• Strong promise of excellence in teaching and research.
• Commitment to academic excellence and to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and service.
• An established program of research addressing cognitive questions about spoken language.
• Potential to secure research grants and awards, whether as a principal investigator or in collaboration with other faculty.

Preferred Qualifications

• Open to diverse research interests in the cognitive science of spoken language but preferred in Prosody, First/second language acquisition, and Learning theory.
• Proficiency in discussing how computational methods might benefit applied linguistics, such as the fields of second language learning and teaching or language documentation and revitalization (even without extensive applied research experience.)
• Evidence of strong research merit and meaningful broader impacts.

About the University

The University of Oregon is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment, and strongly encourages applications from minorities, women, and people with disabilities. Information on the Division of Equity and Inclusion and its goals can be consulted at inclusion.uoregon.edu/office-vice-president-equity-and-inclusion-vpei.

The University of Oregon is one of only two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities and holds the distinction of a “very high research activity” ranking in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The UO enrolls more than 20,000 undergraduate and 3,600 graduate students representing all 50 states and nearly 100 countries. In recent years, the university has increased the diversity of its student body, as well as campus-wide efforts to build a welcoming, inclusive community. The UO’s beautiful, 295-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities in an arboretum-like setting. The UO is located in Eugene, a vibrant city of 175,000 with a wide range of cultural and culinary offerings, a mild and pleasant climate, and a community engaged in environmental and social concerns. The campus is within easy driving distance of the Pacific Coast, the Cascade Mountains, and Portland.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.