Assistant Professor in Computational Language Science

Classification Title:

Assistant Professor

Job Description:

The University of Florida invites applications for a tenure-track appointment in computational language science at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning August 16, 2023. This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-accruing position. Candidates should have an active research agenda studying any aspect of language from a computational perspective. Specializations include, but are not limited to, computational approaches to sociolinguistics, semantics, and pragmatics. UF has recently committed to a university-wide artificial intelligence initiative along with a major super-computing collaboration with NVIDIA ( ai.ufl.edu ). Thus, we particularly encourage applications from candidates whose research explores artificial intelligence, natural language processing, or computational algorithms, as well as their societal implications. The latter may include issues of equity, bias, accountability, transparency, or inclusivity. The Department of Linguistics seeks to train the next generation of linguists who are comfortable integrating computational approaches into their research in revealing and societally responsible ways. Ability to teach computationally-oriented courses is required.

The successful candidate will be expected to 1) maintain an active research agenda, 2) pursue external research funding, 3) teach two courses per semester at the undergraduate and/or graduate level, 4) provide service to the department, the university, and the profession, 5) contribute to UF’s Artificial Intelligence initiative to train graduates for an AI-enabled world, and 6) seek collaborations within the department as well as with other units on campus such as the UF Data Science and Information Technology Center, the Center for Big Learning , the UF Informatics Institute , or the McKnight Brain Institute . The University of Florida was rated among the nation’s top five ranked public universities, according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.

The Department of Linguistics is committed to creating an environment that affirms diversity and inclusion across a variety of dimensions, including ability, class, ethnicity/race, religion and/or cultural background, gender identity and expression. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. The university and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

The Department of Linguistics at the University of Florida is a vibrant and congenial unit consisting of 14 full-time faculty and 15 affiliated faculty in the departments of Anthropology; Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Spanish and Portuguese Studies; and the Dial Center for Written & Oral Communication. We offer a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in Linguistics, as well as an undergraduate minor and undergraduate certificate in TESL and a graduate certificate in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching. We have faculty expertise in a wide range of linguistic subfields, and particular strengths in the areas of bilingualism, language documentation, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, and African linguistics. Please see our website, lin.ufl.edu , for more information about the department.

The Department of Linguistics particularly welcomes applicants who can contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. Please see https://diversity.clas.ufl.edu/diversity-statement/ for more information about diversity and inclusion in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The university and greater Gainesville communities enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

Expected Salary:
The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.

Minimum Requirements:

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in linguistics, computer science, or a closely-related field by August 15, 2023.

Preferred Qualifications:

Specialization in computational linguistics with applications to semantics, pragmatics, and/or sociolinguistics.

Evidence of a strong research and publication trajectory.

Evidence of excellence in teaching.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applications must be submitted online (click Apply Now at the top)_ and must include: (1) a brief cover letter, (2) a statement of teaching, (3) a research statement and interests, (4) a diversity statement describing your experiences and commitments to diversity (for example, i) your values related to diversity, ii) your experiences working with diverse populations, and iii) your future plans related to inclusivity), (5) a CV, (6) 1-3 sample publications, (7) the names and email addresses for three references, and (8) representative teaching evaluations if available. After initial review, an email will be sent to your references, requesting them to upload their confidential letter to the submission packet. Review of applications will begin on November 22, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

The final candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/ .

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law. If an accommodation due to disability is needed in order to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

Health Assessment Required:
No