Research Position (m/f/d) in Computational Linguistics

The  Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies has the following job opening:

Research Position (m/f/d) in Computational Linguistics

ID: Wiss26117

• starting: as soon as possible
• fulltime
• salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
• fixed-term

The Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies is seeking to fill a full-time position as a research assistant in the field of Computational Linguistics as soon as possible. The advertized position is part of the research project „Systemic Robustness Assessments of Language Models for Cross-Linguistic Research using Formally Related Structures“ (FORESTS; PIs: Jutta M. Hartmann, Anke Himmelreich, Sina Zarrieß) with the DFG-Priority Program „Robust Assessment & Safe Applicability of Language Modelling: Foundations for a New Field of Language Science & Technology (LaSTing)“ (SPP 2556). FORESTS aims to develop a new interdisciplinary approach to using language models (=LMs) as tools for comparative linguistic research and linguistic theories as tools for assessing the systemic robustness of LMs. For more details on the project FORESTS and the SPP LaSTing, see https://clause-bielefeld.github.io/projects/.
 
The project offers a position as a research assistant in the area of computational linguistics. The research of the Computational Linguistics group at Bielefeld University focuses on theory-driven and linguistically motivated approaches to language modeling, in the areas of grammar, semantics and pragmatics. 
 
Bielefeld University offers an inspiring research environment with many possibilities for collaborations in the areas of Linguistics, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Humanities. Bielefeld University additionally offers various possibilities for intra- and interdisciplinary networking (for example with the current Collaborative Research Center 1646 „Linguistic Creativity in Communication“) as well as a diverse range of gaining additional qualifications.

Your Tasks

• research tasks (95 %):
  • scientific research in the project FORESTS with a focus on the development and grammatical analysis of small, multilingual language models (BabyLMs), which ideally also forms the basis for further scientific qualification in the form of a doctorate.
  • close collaboration with the second open position in the project in the field of general linguistics
  • supervision of student assistants in the project
  • networking within the SPP 2556
  • publication and presentation of project results at international conferences
• participation in the project organization and self-administration (5 %)

Employment is conducive to scientific qualification and provides the opportunity for further academic development.

We offer

• salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
• fixed-term (3 years) (§ 2 (1) 1 of the WissZeitVG; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)
• fulltime

• internal and external training opportunities
• variety of health, consulting and prevention services
• reconcilability of family and work
• 30 days holiday and additional days off on 24.12. and 31.12.
• good transport connection
• supplementary company pension
• collegial working environment
• open and pleasant working atmosphere
• exciting, varied tasks
• modern work environment with digital processes
• various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, Uni-Shop, ATM, etc.)

Your Profile

We expect

• relevant, successfully completed scientific university degree (e. g., Master’s degree), for example in computational linguistics, computer science, linguistics, cognitive science. We are happy to receive applications by people who have not yet finished their scientific university degree by the time of application but expect to be finished by the time of hiring.
• very good programming skills
• very good knowledge of Machine Learning and Language Models
• basic knowledge of Linguistics (e. g., syntax)
• very good written and spoken English language skills
• cooperative and team-oriented working style
• independent, self-reliant and dedicated style of work
• strong organizational and coordination skills
• good communication skills
• strong presentation and moderation skills

Preferred experience and skills

• interest in doing a PhD
• practical experience with current methods in computational linguistics/language modeling
• basic knowledge on linguistic theories in the domain of grammar
• strong interest in working with data across multiple languages (corpus data, experimental data)
• interest in linguistic research and collaboration with linguists

Application Procedure

We are looking forward to receiving your  application (in German or English). Your application should include the following documents: 

• CV
• short motivation letter in which you describe how you think that your skills and expertise can contribute to the project
• written academic paper (master thesis, bachelor thesis, other qualifying paper, publication)
• up to two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to sina.zarriess@uni-bielefeld.de (optional)
• copies of degree certificates and academic transcripts 

To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.

application deadline: 29.06.2026

Bielefeld University has received a number of awards for its achievements as an equal-opportunity employer and has been
recognized as a family-friendly university. The university welcomes applications from women. This is particularly true with regard
both to academic and technical posts as well as positions in information technology as well as the skilled crafts and trades.
Applications are handled according to the provisions of the state statutes on equal opportunity. Applications from suitably qualified
handicapped and severely handicapped persons are explicitly encouraged.

At Bielefeld University on request positions can be carried out with reduced working hours as long as this does not conflict with official needs.