LINGUIST List 9.1213

Thu Sep 3 1998

Jobs: Computational Linguistics, Microsoft NLP

Editor for this issue: Scott Fults <scottlinguistlist.org>

Directory

  • Diego Molla-Aliod, Jobs: Two positions in Computational Linguistics
  • Veronica Hicks (Comforce/RhoTech), Job Postings for Microsoft

    Message 1: Jobs: Two positions in Computational Linguistics

     Date: Thu, 03 Sep 1998 11:11:45 +0200
    From: Diego Molla-Aliod <mollaifi.unizh.ch>
    Subject: Jobs: Two positions in Computational Linguistics


    The Department of Computer Science at the University of Zurich in Switzerland is soliciting applicants for two full-time positions at the

    SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST

    or

    RESEARCH SCIENTIST

    level (depending on qualification), with the appointments to begin in Autumn, 1998.

    QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates for these positions must have a Diploma/Masters degree in Computational Linguistics, or in a related area (computer science, linguistics) with a minor in Computational Linguistics. In-depth programming skills in Prolog and a good knowledge of English are required. Skills in LISP, knowledge of grammar formalisms, or knowledge representation languages would be an additional asset. A good working knowledge of German is important.

    DUTIES: Extending an experimental answer extraction system working over UNIX man pages. The project, which has been going on for two years, is sponsored by the Swiss National Science Foundation. See http://www.ifi.unizh.ch/CL/hess/nlis.html http://www.ifi.unizh.ch/CL/hess/konvens98.html

    SITE: The Department of Computer Science has 8 full-time faculty and approx. 70 staff. Detailed information on the Department of Computer Science can be found at http://www.ifi.unizh.ch/. The University of Zurich is the largest University in Switzerland, with approximately 20'000 full-time students (cf. http://www.unizh.ch/). Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, with excellent opportunities for urban, suburban or rural lifestyles, with the Alps, various lakes etc. within easy reach (hiking, skiing etc.). Cf. http://www.zurichtourism.ch/ .

    SALARY: approx. 60'000 Swiss Francs p.a. (depending on qualifications).

    APPLICATIONS: Qualified applicants should send (by e-mail or in hard copy) a detailed curriculum vitae, a one-page statement of their research interests, and the names of three references with mail/email addresses and telephone/fax numbers to

    Prof. Dr. Michael Hess University of Zurich Department of Computer Science Computational Linguistics Group Winterthurerstr. 190 CH-8057 Zurich Switzerland Email: hessifi.unizh.ch Tel.: +41 1 635 43 77 Fax: +41 1 635 68 09

    where further information can be obtained.

    DEADLINE: Applicants will be considered on a continuing basis, beginning immeditately, until the positions are filled.

    Message 2: Job Postings for Microsoft

     Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1998 13:23:07 -0700
    From: Veronica Hicks (Comforce/RhoTech) <a-vhicksmicrosoft.com>
    Subject: Job Postings for Microsoft


    Would it be possible to post the following jobs available at Microsoft?

    Immediate job openings from NLP group at Microsoft:

    Computational Linguist: High-level Generation

    We are looking for a linguist who can take the outputs of a very broad-coverage NL analysis system and provide the automatic inputs to a lower-level text realization component. Those outputs consist of discourse-level representations and other knowledge representations expressed in large semantic networks. A range of application areas should be considered, from spoken interaction to monologic text and possibly other modalities.

    Qualifications for this position include some programming experience and a background in as many as possible of the following areas: - document planning and microplanning - the analysis of spoken interaction - the interface between linguistic and extralinguistic sources of information - large-scale knowledge bases such as WordNet - functional linguistics - computational linguistics / NLP - fluency in English and preferably also other language(s)

    Computational Linguist: Semantic Knowledge Bases

    We are looking for candidates with a background in lexical semantics and in either database design/implementation or graph manipulation, to work on the development of a lexical knowledge base (kb) that is represented as a very large and growing semantic network. Responsibilities will include: - maintaining the kb - enhancing search capabilities within the graph - identifying areas in the kb where efficiency can be improved - interacting productively with linguists and computer scientists in the development of the kb - carrying out linguistically-motivated experiments, in collaboration with other members of the group, to explore and subset the graph.

    Qualifications for this position include solid programming experience and a background in as many as possible of the following areas: - distributed databases - graph manipulation - huge, extremely interconnected networks - optimization of graph structures - efficient search algorithms that can deal with problems of scale

    Ideally, the candidate would also have experience programming on the NT platform, and an advanced degree in, or experience with, linguistics or NLP. For information on the knowledge base in question, please go to our web site at http://www.research.microsoft.com and look for papers about MindNet.

    Computational Grammarian for French

    For this position, we are looking for candidates with fairly diverse linguistic interests, including syntax, because the grammarian's responsibilities will be worked out in cooperation with the existing MS French NLP team. These responsibilities can be broadly described as developing and testing a computational grammar for French, in accordance with the overall architecture of the Microsoft Natural Language Understanding system. There are various stages of this system, ranging from syntactic through deeply semantic.

    The grammarian's qualifications should include experience in linguistic research and software development; familiarity with natural language processing; a flexible approach to linguistic theory; and an advanced degree in linguistics, computer science, or a closely related discipline. Native proficiency in French is assumed. Practical experience with, and interest in, NLP implementation issues and product development are other highly desirable attributes.

    ABOUT THE MICROSOFT NLP RESEARCH GROUP: This is a great opportunity to work with a dedicated group of researchers who are creating a system for unrestricted text understanding and generation. We are in the process of designing and building a system to analyze unrestricted natural language, taking input text, and moving from lexical/morphological analysis through syntax, semantics, and discourse. A generation component is also planned. The programming system and underlying principles that are used for English have been found to be applicable to other languages. We are empirically oriented, and are happy to use good linguistic ideas wherever they can be found. For additional information on the group, and its large-scale lexical knowledge base (MindNet), see http://research.microsoft.com/research/nlp/

    For more information about the NLP group, connect to our home page on the World Wide Web http://research.microsoft.com/nlp

    Also available in the Natural Language Group at Microsoft:

    NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING POSITIONS - IIT

    PROGRAM MANAGER - Spanish Grammar Enabling computers to understand natural language is a difficult, fascinating, and critical task. Microsoft has amassed some of the top linguists in the world and we are in the business of developing and shipping high quality linguistic features such as grammars and search engines. The Natural Language Group (NLG) is growing and new positions are available for several program management roles. This PM position is responsible for driving design, schedules and integration of a Spanish grammar checker with Office 10. This position requires coordinating with NLG's development and test organizations, research, and Word program management. This person will be responsible for leading and evangelizing smart design strategies and influencing technical directions of future Spanish language products. Qualifications include a minimum of 3 years program management experience including leadership and management experience. Native (or extremely fluent) Spanish language abilities and proficiency with English, written and spoken are required. Prior linguistic technology or computational linguistics experience is a plus. Software engineering background and strong communication skills required. A BA/BS degree in Computer Science preferred.

    PROGRAM MANAGER - French Grammar Enabling computers to understand natural language is a difficult, fascinating, and critical task. Microsoft has amassed some of the top linguists in the world and we are in the business of developing and shipping high quality linguistic features such as grammars and search engines. The Natural Language Group (NLG) is growing and new positions are available for several program management roles. This PM position is responsible for driving design, schedules and integration of a French grammar checker with Office 10. This position requires coordinating with NLG's development and test organizations, research, and Word program management. This person will be responsible for leading and evangelizing smart design strategies and influencing technical directions of future French language products.

    Qualifications include a minimum of 3 years program management experience including leadership and management experience. Native (or extremely fluent) French language abilities and proficiency with English, written and spoken are required. Prior linguistic technology or computational linguistics experience is a plus. Software engineering background and strong communication skills required. A BA/BS degree in Computer Science preferred.

    PROGRAM MANAGER Natural language (NL) is an intense and fascinating aspect of advanced technology. Microsoft has amassed some of the top linguists in the world and we are in the business of developing and shipping high quality linguistic features such as grammars and search engines. The Natural Language Group (NLG) is growing and new positions are available for several program management roles. This PM position is responsible for driving design, schedules and integration of NL features with Office 10. This lead position requires coordinating with NLG's development and test organizations, research, and Office program management. This person will be responsible for leading and evangelizing smart design strategies and influencing technical directions. Natural language deploys products throughout Microsoft and this person will also assist the GPM in prioritizing and coordinating deployment, versioning and API decisions. Because of the technical challenges associated with this position, the ideal candidate will have broad experience in shipping technical products. Qualifications include a minimum of 5 years program management experience including leadership and management experience. Bi-lingual and/or linguistic skills are a plus. Software engineering background and strong communication skills required. A BA/BS degree in Computer Science preferred.

    PROGRAM MANAGER - Advanced Language Engineering Enabling computers to understand natural language is a difficult, fascinating, and critical task. Microsoft has amassed some of the top linguists in the world and we are in the business of developing and shipping high quality linguistic features such as grammars and search engines. The Natural Language Group (NLG) is growing and new positions are available for several program management roles. This PM position is responsible for working with our language engineering architects and researchers to explore plausible avenues for new linguistic features for Microsoft products. Some of the activities include driving activities with Office 10 & 11 planning, NT (Neptune) and IMG clients, conducting experiments with advanced technology and driving designs. This person will be responsible for leading and evangelizing smart design strategies and influencing technical directions. Once a solid feature set is discovered, which is expected to be a substantial undertaking in itself, this PM would then lead the implementation and shipping of this feature. This person will also assist the GPM in prioritizing and coordinating deployment, versioning and API decisions. Because of the technical challenges associated with this position, the ideal candidate will have broad experience in shipping technical products.

    Qualifications include a minimum of 5 years program management experience including leadership and management experience. Bi-lingual and/or linguistic skills are a plus. Software engineering background and strong communication skills required. A BA/BS degree in Computer Science preferred.



    SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEER Primary responsibilities include designing, developing, and optimizing code for Natural Language applications. Qualifications should include a minimum of 3 years experience programming in C or C++ for commercial software using Win32 APIs. Strong C coding skills required. A BS/MS in Computer Science preferred. Basic knowledge of grammatical concepts such as Nouns, Adverbs, Subjects is required. Some knowledge of German, French, Spanish or Portuguese required. Internal candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

    SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEER Primary responsibilities include designing, developing and optimizing code for Natural Language applications. Qualifications should include a minimum of 5 years experience programming in C or C++ for commercial software using Win32 APIs. Strong C coding skills required. A BS/MS in Computer Science preferred. Knowledge of basic grammatical concepts such as Nouns, Adverbs, Subjects is required. Some knowledge of German, French or Spanish would be a plus. Internal candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

    SPEECH RECOGNITION - IIT

    PROGRAM MANAGER Primary responsibilities working with internal component groups in managing the release of Microsoft Speech (SAPI) SDK. This will include gathering feedback from 3rd party speech technology companies & software application developers, managing contractors, user education, testing, and development groups, managing schedules, and other tasks as they arise that relate to improving Microsoft Speech technology products. Will also need to continually assess quality & perform competitive analysis on several different speech technologies; identifying technical and usability defects based on analysis; and reporting results. Qualifications should include a demonstrated ability to work independently, excellent communication skills, ability to follow through, and ability to work well with people required. Strong ownership of the assignment, and thriving in a dynamic and challenging environment preferred. Must be detail-oriented, a self-starter, work well under time constraints, and be an excellent problem solver. Qualifications should include a minimum of 3 years or program management experience and demonstrated skills in driving projects and working in a team. A BA/BS degree or higher in Computer Science or related technical equivalent required. Previous software development experience, or familiarity with speech technologies &/or SDKs desired.

    SOFTWARE DESIGN ENGINEER Responsibilities include designing, developing, and debugging software for text-to-speech, speech recognition, language understanding, and related tools. Qualifications include a Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science or Mathematics. At least three years experience developing shipping application or system components in C/C++ is preferred. Knowledge of COM, ActiveX, statistics, and/or linguistics is helpful.

    CONTACT: Please send resumes, cover letters, and any additional materials to: Microsoft Corporation Product Group Recruiting Human Resources One Microsoft Way Redmond, WA 98052 USA email: nljobsmicrosoft.com