Doctoral student in generative AI for sign language - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description

This PhD project aims to create cutting-edge models for converting written language to sign language through 3D signing avatars. Using generative AI methods, the research combines large language models with deep probabilistic motion generation in 3D animation. This ambitious project builds on our recent pioneering work in diffusion-based motion generation . Automatic sign language technologies contribute to increased inclusion and have high societal importance, yet the problem is under-studied compared to written and spoken language.

The research takes place at the division of speech, music and hearing, in an interdisciplinary group focusing on modeling and understanding human communication, including speech, language, and gesture using computational and AI-based methods. This is a highly active and dynamic research field spanning machine learning, natural language processing, signal processing, computer vision, computer graphics and perceptual psychology. You will be working alongside other PhD students and faculty working on e.g., natural speech- and gesture generation, dialog systems and social robotics, and more.

The position is financed by WASP, the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program and entails participation in WASP doctoral school and doctoral student activities.

Third-cycle subject: Speech- and Music Communication 

Supervision: Prof. Jonas Beskow (KTH), with Dr. Simon Alexanderson (KTH) and Prof. Johanna Mesch (SU) as co-supervisors

What we offer

• The possibility to study in a dynamic and international research environment in collaboration with industries and prominent universities from all over the world.Read more
• A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement.
• A postgraduate education at an institution that is active and supportive in matters pertaining to working conditions, gender equality and diversity as well as study environment.
• Work and study in Stockholm, close to nature and the water.
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH.
• Mentorship from world-leading researchers.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6, read more here

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyse and work with complex issues.

Practical experience with machine learning/deep learning is desirable. Experience in speech technology, NLP, avatars, sign language or generative models is a plus.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal competency. 

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years ' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.

Union representatives

Contact information KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

Contact information section's website.

To apply for the position

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.Copies of originals must be certified.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing, recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.