Postdoctoral Opportunity in NLP and AI/ML at UKP Lab, Technical University of Darmstadt
The Ubiquitous Knowledge Processing (UKP) Lab at the Technical University of Darmstadt, led by renowned professor Iryna Gurevych, is inviting applications for a postdoctoral position in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, with a strong focus on Natural Language Processing (NLP). This is an excellent opportunity to be a part of one of Europe’s top-tier research groups at the forefront of NLP innovation.
A Prestigious Research Environment
UKP Lab is internationally recognized as a leading research lab in AI, machine learning, and NLP, with a proven track record of impactful contributions to academic and applied research. With a team of approximately 40 full-time researchers, the lab fosters a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and highly international environment.
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will engage in cutting-edge research while being embedded within a vibrant ecosystem that includes:
- ELLIS (European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems) – Prof. Gurevych is a co-director of ELLIS NLP and part of the Darmstadt ELLIS Unit.
- Konrad Zuse School of Excellence in Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELIZA).
- Hessian.AI, a major initiative uniting AI researchers from Hessen’s leading universities.
These affiliations provide unparalleled access to academic and industrial collaborations across Europe and beyond, with strong international connections including MBZUAI in Abu Dhabi and INSAIT in Sofia.
Position Overview
Contract Duration:
Initial appointment is for two years, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding.
Location:
The position requires relocation to Darmstadt, Germany, or nearby. Darmstadt offers a high quality of life and is well connected, being close to Frankfurt International Airport.
Deadline to Apply:
May 25th, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
Responsibilities and Research Focus
As a postdoctoral researcher at UKP Lab, you will:
- Develop your own research agenda in alignment with UKP’s broader goals, contributing to publications in top-tier AI/ML/NLP venues (e.g., NeurIPS, ACL, EMNLP, ICML).
- Co-advise Master’s and PhD students and actively participate in co-teaching advanced NLP courses.
The lab is particularly interested in strengthening its research in the following areas:
- Foundations of Large Language Models (LLMs)
- AI Safety
- Security and Privacy in LLMs
- Human-AI Collaboration
- AI for Science
You are also encouraged to propose your own research ideas that align with or complement the lab’s current direction.
Candidate Profile
They are looking for highly motivated researchers with a strong academic background and a demonstrated record of excellence in research.
Required Qualifications:
- A PhD in Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or a related field.
- A track record of publications in reputable journals and conferences.
- Excellent command of the English language.
- Strong analytical skills, creativity, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Why Join UKP Lab?
At UKP Lab, you will benefit from:
- A dynamic research group that regularly publishes at ACL, EMNLP, NAACL, NeurIPS, ICML, and ICLR.
- A supportive and interactive team culture that values both academic rigor and real-world impact.
- Opportunities for international collaboration and research visits.
- A clear path to career advancement, whether in academia or industry.
The lab’s commitment to fostering professional growth, combined with its strategic research partnerships and global academic influence, makes this an exceptional opportunity for ambitious postdocs seeking to make a mark in AI and NLP.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply via the official UKP Lab recruitment portal:
👉 Submit your application here
To learn more about ongoing projects and recent publications, please visit the UKP research publications page.
