[CPM-SPIRE-L] Postdoc position on Conversational Information Retrieval at USI, Lugano

[Fabio Crestani]

We are looking for motivated PostDoc in the area of Information Retrieval (IR) and in particular in Conversational IR to become a member of the Information Retrieval Group (IRG) of the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) in Lugano, Switzerland. 

Together, we will study novel approaches for interactive, personalized, and adaptive Conversation Information Retrieval to make access to information easier and hassle free, especially from mobile devices, such as mobile phones, in-vehicle access systems, etc. In fact, the PostDoc is expected to collaborate closely with the team working in the SNSF PACINO project (https://data.snf.ch/grants/grant/215742). 

USI, INF and IRG:

Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a young and lively university, a hub of opportunity open to the world where students are offered a quality interdisciplinary education in which they can be fully engaged and take center stage, and where our researchers can count on having the space to freely pursue their initiative. Established in 1996, USI is in constant evolution, always taking on new challenges while remaining true to its three guiding principles: quality, openness and responsibility. USI campus is located in the north part of Lugano, a short walk from the city center and the lake, next to bars and restaurants.

Informatics (INF) is scientifically the strongest faculty of USI and is defined by its vanguard educational model and by its passion for scientific research. Around 200 researchers from around the world conduct research in eight different macro-areas, with tens of millions of Swiss francs in competitive funding obtained to date. Here is an introduction to INF by our Dean.

The Information Retrieval Group (IRG), part of INF, is located in the Campus Est, in a new building that received a number of prizes for its design and its functionality. The IRG has a decided lab where PhD students and PostDoc are located next to professor offices. More info about IRG can be found at: https://ir.inf.usi.ch/.

Desired Qualification and Skills:

    • Ph.D. in computer science or a comparable subject from a recognised university
    • Knowledge of user-centered design, design study methods, and evaluation methods.
    • Expertise in one or more of the following: information retrieval, conversational systems, knowledge management, machine learning, human-centered AI, data mining, or text mining.
    • Willingness to think conceptually and make methodological contributions to interactive information retrieval.
    • Advanced skills in programming in Python.
    • Ability and willingness to teach (max 6 ECTS) and the co-supervise student projects

How to Apply:

Send your application by email to fabio.crestani at usi.ch by June 30th. Official applications should include:
    • Motivation letter.
    • CV and list of publications.
    • Clear description of prior experience in research.
    • Names of two possible references.

What we Offer:

Postdocs are remunerated according to Swiss university regulations. The appointment will be made with respects to standard university rules with standard fringe benefits and vacation days. 

The position is expected to last for 24 months, which could be potentially extended for another 24. The gross annual starting salary will be approx 80,000 CHF. The appointment is expected to involve a full-time effort in research, help with PhD students supervision, and up to 6 ECTS in teaching (i.e., one full course, but most likely a collaboration in one or two courses) per year, under the scientific supervision of Prof Fabio Crestani. 

USI's goal is to offer an equal opportunity workplace environment and as part of this, we especially encourage women to apply. Specific benefits include flexible working hours, young scientist promotion opportunities, parental leave benefits, nursery services, and care for dependents and much more.


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Prof. Fabio Crestani                          	tel: +41 58.666.4657
Faculty of Informatics                        	fax: +41 58.666.4536
Universitá della Svizzera Italiana (USI) fabio.crestani at usi.ch
CH-6900, Lugano, CH         			http://www.inf.usi.ch/faculty/crestani
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