The postdoctoral fellowship is offered by the Department of Cognitive Science at Carleton
University in partnership with the AI Lab at RBC (Royal Bank of Canada). We aim to attract
qualified candidates to join our team conducting best in breed research in the intersection of
Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Semantics, and Pragmatics.
The fellowship is for at least one year but interested candidates could be brought on for up to
three years. The postdoctoral fellow will be supervised by Dr. Raj Singh at Carleton and Dr.
Ehsan Amjadian at RBC. The starting salary is $45,000 CAD (plus benefits).
Some Project Objectives (Not Comprehensive)
Develop Deep Learning Interfaces among the channels of Natural Language (Text or Speech),
deep distributed representation (embeddings), and artificial languages (e.g., logical form,
mathematical form, or programming languages) resulting in factually accurate representations
that can evidently elicit factually valid responses given arelevant query. The system is also
expected to produce a useful response even when facing a query it is unable to give a complete
answer to, given the knowledge at hand. Thus, we aim to develop a deep learning system that
learns to give pragmatically correct responses to questions under various conditions of
knowledge (complete/incomplete) using representations like the formalisms stated above
between language and knowledge.
Candidate Requirements
The successful candidate is expected to have the following requirements:
1. PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Cognitive Science, Linguistics, AI, NLP or other
allied disciplines with a proven track record in the field of deep learning and NLP for
instance:
a. Publication in reputable venues
b. Programming (e.g., github repositories)
c. Conference Presentations
2. The candidate is expected to be fluent in one of the leading Deep Learning frameworks
such as:
a. TensorFlow 2.X
b. PyTorch
3. The candidate is expected to have an excellent command of Python and Object Oriented
Programming principles and best practices in software development
4. Fluent Academic English and strong communication skills (written and oral)
5. The candidate is expected to have experience utilizing single/multiple GPUs in a deep
learning solution either on local servers or one of the cloud computing providers
6. Rapid Experimentation skills
7. The candidate is expected to have experience working with structured and unstructured
data
a. Pandas
b. SQL
c. ReGex
d. Spark
8. Familiarity with distributed computing and big data (Spark, Data Frames) is a plus
9. The ideal candidate would be familiar with symbolic representation and reasoning
systems, such as the lambda calculus (especially as applied to natural language
semantics and semantic parsing) and propositional and first-order logic. Familiarity with
a broad range of machine learning methods would be a bonus, including but not limited
to Bayesian methods, Minimum Description Length, and others.
10. Excellent time management skills and agile, iterative, and timely delivery is expected.
The Department of Cognitive Science
The Department of Cognitive Science (www.carleton.ca/cognitivescience/) offers programs at the
Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. levels in Cognitive Science to approximately 400 undergraduate and 40 graduate students. Carleton is one of the few institutions in the world to offer B.Cog.Sc. and M.Cog.Sc. degrees. The department is a fully-independent academic unit, with dedicated faculty members. It is also supported through cross-appointments from several other
departments, and our research and supervision more generally covers areas such as psychology,
formal linguistics, philosophy, and computer science (e.g., Artificial Intelligence and Modelling).
About Carleton University
Carleton University is a dynamic and innovative research and teaching institution with a national
and international reputation as a leader in collaborative teaching and learning, research and governance. With over 31,000 students in more than 100 programs of study, we encourage creative risk-taking, discovery, and the generation of transformative knowledge. We are proud to be one of the most accessible campuses in North America and Carleton’s Paul Menton
Centre for Students with Disabilities has been heralded as the gold standard for disability support
services in Canada. Carleton’s location in Ottawa, Ontario provides many opportunities for scholarship and research with numerous and diverse groups and institutions. Canada’s capital has a population of over one million and reflects the country’s bilingual and multicultural character. To learn more about our university and the City of Ottawa, please visit www.carleton.ca/about.
Carleton University is committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our university including, but not limited to: women; visible minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. Furthermore, Carleton understands that career paths vary and interruptions will not prejudice the assessment process. We invite you to
review our revitalized Indigenous strategy, Kinàmàgawin https://carleton.ca/indigenousinitiatives/cu-files/kinamagawin/ and visit our Department of Equity
and Inclusive Communities for information about our commitment to leadership in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion at https://carleton.ca/equity/.
Accessibility is a university strategic priority and applicants selected for an interview who require accommodations are invited to contact the Chair as soon as possible to ensure that appropriate arrangements may be made.
Application Instructions:
Applications must be sent electronically in one single PDF file which includes the following: (i)
CV, (ii) A cover letter. In your letter, please provide a statement that identifies your strengths in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in your discipline and on campus as well as your future plans. Please also indicate in your application if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. Please email your files to both Dr. Raj Singh (raj.singh@carleton.ca) and Dr. Ehsan
Amjadian (ehsan.amjadian@rbc.com).