Post-doc e-Health Research using Speech Technology and Gaming (0,5 fte)

Faculty of Arts
Vacancy number: 23.20.13
Closing date: 4 December 2013
See also http://www.ru.nl/vacatures/details/details_vacature_0?recid=529065

Please note: We will only consider applications submitted via our application form (which is accessed by clicking the ‘Apply directly’ link).

Responsibilities
As a postdoctoral researcher you will take part in the research project CHASING: ‘CHAllenging Speech training In Neurological patients through Interactive Gaming’.
Current results indicate the need to develop advanced, motivating training devices that provide guidance on articulation improvement and support the integrated benefits of intensified, independent speech training. Since serious games are known to have strong motivational power, the CHASING project aims to investigate to what extent serious games and game principles motivate and support neurological patients in speech training.
To this end, an interactive, intuitive, user adaptive game for speech training which employs advanced speech technology will be developed and tested.
Your work will mainly address research question 1: How can speech technology and gaming be combined in an advanced, robust application for speech therapy that provides the necessary feedback?

You will be involved in developing dedicated speech technology, especially ‘automatic speech recognition’ (ASR) technology, integrating it into the game and in designing the game. You will carry out experiments with neurological patients, to study the effects of the game and how the game (incl. the speech technology) can be improved.

For more information about the project see: hstrik.ruhosting.nl/chasing/

Work environment
The Faculty of Arts consists of ten departments in the areas of language and culture, history, history of arts, linguistics and business communication which together cater for about 2,700 students. The departments collaborate closely in teaching and research.
Research at the Faculty of Arts is embedded in two research institutes: the Institute for Historical, Literary and Cultural Studies (HLCS) and the Centre for Language Studies (CLS).
You will be part of a dynamic international and interdisciplinary team and will work in an inspiring research environment.

What we expect from you:

• PhD in Computational or Applied Linguistics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Informatics, Cognitive Science, or Education;
• you are an experienced experimental researcher;
• demonstrable ability to work in a team;
• programming skills- (e.g. Python, Java, JavaScript, HTML5, C/C++);
• interest in e-Health, especially gaming and speech technology for speech training;
• good command of the English language. Knowledge of Dutch is considered an advantage;
• good communication skills.

What we have to offer:

We offer you:

• employment: 0,5 fte;
• in addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• depending on experience the gross salary will be between €3,259 and €4,462 (scale 11);
• Commencement date for the position: around January 2014;
• you will be appointed for an initial period of 16 months, with the possibility of extension;
• you will be classified as a Postdoctoral Researcher (Onderzoeker 3) in the Dutch university job-ranking system (UFO).

Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions?

Would you like to know more?
Further information on: Faculty of Arts
Further information on: CLST
Further information on: CLS

Helmer Strik
Telephone: +31 24 3616104
E-mail: w.strik@let.ru.nl

Lilian Beijer
Telephone: +31 24 3659718, +31 24 3659140
E-mail: L.beijer@maartenskliniek.nl

Applications
Are you interested?
Please include with your application a motivation letter (attn. of Marc van Nijnatten), CV and any required attachments. You should upload these documents using ‘Apply directly’ before 4 December 2013.

Please enclose the following documents with your application:

• curriculum vitae;
• motivation letter, also explaining your research interests;
• short description of your PhD thesis;
• list of your publications;
• grade transcripts;
• list of references or reference letters.

For more information on the application procedure: +31 24 3612916.

No commercial propositions please.