Topic
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join the University of Verona to work on a cutting-edge project focused on identifying and analyzing bias in the training materials and in the output of chatbots and large language models (LLMs).
The research will involve the application of linguistic and corpus-based methods to uncover structural and semantic biases across large-scale textual datasets.
This work lies at the intersection of computational linguistics, corpus analysis, and AI ethics, and will contribute to the broader goals of the ARMADA network in improving the trustworthiness and transparency of LLMs.
- Start: Fall 2025
- Location: Verona, Italy
- Application deadline: September 12th, 2025
Tasks
- Research, project, and publication activities within the fields of data management, computational linguistics, corpus-based language analysis, natural language processing.
- Solving scientific problems with the motivation for independent and goal-oriented research.
- Participating in international schools and teaching activities.
- Participation in scientific events.
Candidate profile
- In-depth knowledge and experience within at least one of the following areas: computational linguistics, corpus-based language analysis, natural language processing.
- An excellent master or diploma in Computational Linguistics, Language Studies, Data Science, or a closely related field.
- Ability to design and conduct linguistic and statistical analyses of text corpora.
- Willingness to contribute to interdisciplinary projects spanning linguistics, AI, and ethics.
- Organizational and analytical skills as well as a structured and independent way of working.
- Ability to work effectively in a team, demonstrate problem-solving skills, and think creatively.
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English (knowledge of Italian is not required and will not constitute an element of preference).
- Willingness to travel and live in another country.
We offer
- A wide variety and exciting range of tasks in a collegial team with flexible working hours
- Central location of workplace with very good accessibility (in Verona)
- Participation in an international network working on cutting-edge scientific topics
- A highly competitive salary and a range of attractive social benefits
- Excellent research environment in an internationally visible team
- A wide range of internal and external training opportunities
- Highly competitive salary in line with the EU regulations
Special Conditions and Opportunities
This position is part of the European MSCA Doctoral Network ARMADA, which in total offers 15 positions. Hence, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the starting date of the position.
The contract will be for 3-year full-time position and include the chance to spend a period of a few months with another one of the host institutions during a planned secondment.
Further Information
For further information and details, please contact Prof. Valeria Franceschi.
Application
If you are interested in this exciting position, please include the following in your application:
- Cover letter (max. 1 page), including (i) motivation for applying, and (ii) a brief explanation of the applicant's background
- CV including a list of publications if available
- Recommendation letters or contact information of at least one reference, e.g., master supervisor
- Copy of the master thesis if available or short summary otherwise
- Copies of certificates incl. grade sheet or transcript
- A project description stating how you would approach the issue of bias in Large Language Models from a linguistic perspective (max 9000 characters, spaces included).
Apply Now for a PhD in Linguistics