Part-time University Assistant postdoctoral candidate in the HAITrans research group

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The University of Vienna Centre for Translation Studies (ZTW) is looking for a German and English-speaking post-doc candidate to join the HAITrans (Human and Artificial Intelligence in Translation) research group and take a lead in the group’s “Improving the quality of Translation/Revision/PEMT output by using automatic speech tools” and “Cognitive investigations of collaborative Translation/Revision/PEMT practices involving speech technologies” research themes. The successful candidate will have: a PhD in Translation Studies/Machine Translation; practical experience conducting data-driven research in a machine translation-related area using a variety of technologies, including eye-tracking; experience as translator/reviser/MT post-editor/localiser/terminologist; in-depth knowledge of or experience with a wide range of language technologies, such as: Machine Translation, Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT), Terminology Extraction and Management, Quality Assurance; experience working with professional linguists who are members of professional organisations; excellent communication and self-management skills, as well as a proactive attitude regarding using technologies to address genuine professional translator challenges. The candidate will have access to the HAITrans eye-tracking lab, as well as the UniVie computing facilities, and will contribute to the research, teaching and administrative activities of the ZTW under the supervision of the HAITrans research group leader Univ.-Prof. Dragoș Ciobanu, PhD.

Your personal sphere of play:

Your future position is within the HAITrans research group (https://haitrans.univie.ac.at/) based in the University of Vienna Centre for Translation Studies. HAITrans investigates the behavioural and cognitive effects which technologies such as machine translation and automatic speech recognition and synthesis have on translators, as well as their impact on the profession, practice, training and society at large.

This position is limited until 28.02.2031.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching and administration, which involves: 

• Advancing understanding of the “Improving the quality of Translation/Revision/PEMT output by using automatic speech tools” and “Cognitive investigations of collaborative Translation/Revision/PEMT practices involving speech technologies” research themes of the ZTW HAITrans research group.
• Building the HAITrans internal capacity for conducting data-driven research of Machine Translation technologies and practices. Designing, performing and analysing eye-tracking experiments. Providing scientific and technical support to group members.
• Strengthening an independent research profile.
• Publishing in high-ranked journals/conference proceedings.
• Being responsible for submitting project applications and acquiring third-party funding. 
• Being responsible for engaging with the community of professional translators.
• Independent teaching of courses as defined by the collective agreement.
• Participation in evaluation measures and quality assurance. 
• Taking the lead in the organisation of meetings, conferences, symposiums. 
• Involvement in the department administration, as well as in teaching and research administration.

Candidate profile:

• PhD in Translation Studies/Machine Translation.
• Practical experience using a wide range of technologies, including: Machine Translation, Computer-Assisted Translation tools, eye-tracking, Automatic Speech Recognition, Automatic Speech Synthesis, Terminology Extraction and Management, Quality Assurance, as well as data analysis and visualisation.  
• Strong publication record in top-tier international journals and conferences.
• Mentoring, leadership, or teaching experience. 
• Self-motivation, attention to detail, problem-solving attitude and a drive to produce high-quality work.
• Creativity and originality in proposing to investigate a research topic that addresses a real-world challenge which professional translators face.
• Experience in engaging with the wider community of professional translators and professional organisations;
• High ability to express oneself both orally and in writing. 
• Excellent command of written and spoken German and English. 
• Advanced IT user skills.
• Ability to work in a team.

Desirable knowledge/experience includes:

• Professional experience as translator/reviser/MT post-editor. 

• Statistics, data analysis and visualisation.
• Knowledge of university processes and structures. 
• Ability to design, deliver and evaluate university courses.
• Experience in the translation science context at the University of Vienna.
• Additional languages besides German and English will be an asset.

What we offer:

Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement).

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 4,932,90 (14 times a year) for a period of X years / XX months increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

The application should be a single PDF file, including the following:
- Letter of Motivation in English which demonstrates why the candidate fits the requirements of the role.
- Concise description of research interests and research plan in English, indicating clearly how these align with the HAITrans research themes mentioned in this role description. 
- Curriculum vitae in English. 
- List of publications/presentations, evidence of teaching experience in English. 
- Degree certificates (either in English or accompanied by an English translation).
- Contact details of two referees who can provide a letter of reference in English.