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We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

The University of Sheffield (UK) and RIKEN (Japan) invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position in a joint project aimed at developing scalable and interpretable methods for uncertainty quantification (UQ) in foundation models. This project addresses key challenges in trustworthy AI by creating architectures that explicitly model uncertainty in both text and multimodal applications.

Key facts

• Collaboration: Work alongside Dr. Nafise Sadat Moosavi (University of Sheffield) and Dr. Benjamin Heinzerling and Prof. Kentaro Inui (RIKEN).
• Timeline and Location: Initially a 12 month post, with the possibility of a further 24 months extension.  Based at the University of Sheffield, with an exciting opportunity to possibly spend some time at RIKEN AIP in Japan.
• Research Focus: Development of theoretical and applied methods for UQ within foundation models, contributing to enhanced reliability and interpretability in AI systems.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Conduct research on advanced uncertainty quantification for foundation models.
• Design and evaluate novel algorithms to improve AI reliability and interpretability.
• Collaborate across international teams to deliver impactful outcomes.
• Publish high-quality research in leading peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• PhD (or nearing completion) in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.
• Strong background in deep learning, generative models, or uncertainty quantification.
• Proficiency in relevant programming languages and frameworks (for example., Python, PyTorch).
• Proven research impact, demonstrated through publications in top-tier AI or NLP conferences and journals (for example, NeurIPS, ICLR, ACL, EMNLP).
• Collaborative research experience, showcasing the ability to work effectively across international or interdisciplinary teams.
• Problem-solving skills, with a focus on designing and implementing algorithms that address challenges in AI reliability and interpretability.
• Effective communication abilities, including presenting complex research to diverse audiences and contributing to high-quality publications.
• Awareness of diversity and inclusion, with a willingness to foster a respectful and collaborative research environment.

Desirable criteria

• Experience with uncertainty quantification methods.
• Experience working on multimodal AI models (for example, text-image systems).

Further Information

Grade: G7

Duration: Fixed-term for 12 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension for a further 24 months subject to funding

Line manager: Lecturer in Natural Language Processing 

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Nafise Sadat Moosavi, Lecturer in NLP: on n.s.moosavi@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 1943

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place week commencing 03 March 2025 (but this may be subject to change). This will consist of a presentation to be delivered, followed by an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 24 February 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact com-researchrecruitment@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
 

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.