PhD/Postdoc on Linguistically Motivated Language Models (LMLM)
The IT University of Copenhagen invites highly motivated individuals to apply for a PhD or Postdoc position starting 1 September 2026 or soon thereafter.
We invite applicants who want to contribute to the IT University's vision of creating and sharing knowledge that is profound and leads to ground-breaking information technology and services for the benefit of humanity.
Project description
LMLM proposes to build Linguistically Motivated Language Models (LMs). This involves adapting both the training regime and the LM architecture to incorporate different linguistic levels. The hypothesis is that this will lead to mitigation of shortcut learning and, in turn, more reliable LMs.The project will start on the lower levels, investigating how internal structures of words can be used in LMs, followed by words and the syntax level. There will be a strong focus on evaluation, incorporating both standard metrics and benchmarks as well as linguistically oriented and compositionality benchmarks.
The successful candidate(s) will be part of the NLPnorth research group in the Data Science section of ITU, and are also encouraged to become affiliated with the AI Pioneer center. They will be supervised by the PI (Rob van der Goot) and a co-supervisor which is selected on a per-candidate basis.LMLM is funded by Carlsberg (https://www.carlsbergfondet.dk/en/what-we-have-funded/cf25-1861/).
Candidates
Since the proposed project is on the intersection of linguistics and NLP, we are looking for a diverse set of skills. There will be two researchers in the project, who ideally complement each other. Ideal candidates will have:
- Experience with Python (Transformers/Torch are a plus).
- In-depth understanding of modern NLP models.
- Experience with training and evaluating language models.
- Knowledge of or experience with linguistics.
It is not required or even expected you match all of these requirements, but an interest in both the technical aspects of NLP and linguistics is essential. If you are interested in the project but are in doubt about checking these boxes, please contact Rob van der Goot (robv@itu.dk) before applying.
General information
The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a teaching and research-based university specializing in information technology (IT) and the opportunities it offers. The IT University has more than 160 full-time Faculty members. Research and teaching in information technology span all academic activities which involve computers including computer science, information and media sciences, humanities and social sciences, business impact and the commercialization of IT.
Research at the IT University of Copenhagen
Our research is organized through dynamic research groups, centers, hubs, and labs that promote collaboration across disciplines. These units explore complex challenges at the intersection of people, technology, and society, contributing both to fundamental insights and practical solutions.At ITU, we see research as a shared endeavor – open, critically engaged, and rooted in dialogue with academic communities, industry, and the public sector. We actively pursue international partnerships and networks, and our interdisciplinary approach ensures that our research not only advances knowledge but also generates impact beyond academia.
Teaching at the IT University of Copenhagen
ITU currently offers four BSc degrees, six MSc degrees and one professional master’s degree, spanning across these disciplines. ITU's education is extremely sought after and produces qualified graduates who are in high demand from the job market.
Working at the IT University
Located in modern architecture, a 6-minute metro ride from the center of Copenhagen, the IT University offers an informal working environment, a varied everyday life, and a highly motivated, innovative, skilled, and diverse international faculty, with PhD degrees from more than 20 different countries.The IT University is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself in actively pursuing an improved gender balance among students and among faculty.
Working in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a solid educational system, a rich cultural life, universal healthcare, good childcare, and well-functioning infrastructure. Copenhagen is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities according to the Economist Global Liveability Index.Living and working in Copenhagen will typically be a great experience for you and your family.
Salary and terms of employment
Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Taxation’s agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and job structure for academic staff at universities.
Qualification Requirements
The following qualifications are required for the PhD position:
- 3 year programme: candidates should have a MSc (or equivalent)
- 4 year programme: candidates should have a BSc and one year of university studies on Master level
The applicants will be employed and enrolled at the ITU University for a period of 3 or 4 years depending on the university degree level of the applicant.
The following qualifications are required for the Postdoc position:
- Candidates are required to have academic qualifications at PhD level
Application
The application and all other documents ought to be in English and must include:
- A motivated application (cover letter), including a detailed description of your qualifications
- A full CV, including name, address, phone number, e-mail, previous and present employment and academic background
- Documentation of academic degrees (copy of degree certificates etc.)
- For candidates applying for the PhD position: a statement of purpose, which provides evidence of independent thinking, novelty and originality, of the targeted research field matching the project description
- For candidates applying for the PhD position: relevant scientific publications or/and master thesis written by the applicant (Not required but optional)
- For candidates applying for the PhD position: documentation of English proficiency (see link below to the PhD Admission Requirements)
- For candidates applying for the Postdoc position: relevant scientific publications or/and PhD thesis written by the applicant
- For candidates applying for the Postdoc position: documentation of pedagogical experience and teaching record.
For the PhD position, please read the guidelines for applicants carefully before filling in the application form. You can see the guidelines through this link.
Applications without the above-mentioned required documents will not be assessed.
The applicant will be accessed according to the Appointment Order from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of 13 March 2012.
The IT University may use shortlisting in connection with the recruitment process. In case of shortlisting, the Chair of the hiring committee selects applicants for assessment in consultation with the hiring committee after the application deadline.All applicants are notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The shortlisting of candidates for assessment is based on the criteria in the job posting.
Further information
Questions about the positions can be directed to Associate Professor, Rob van der Goot, IT University of Copenhagen, robv@itu.dk. Early contact with our faculty staff is encouraged.
Questions related to the application procedure may be directed to HR, hr@itu.dk.
Application procedure
You can only apply for this position through our e-recruitment system. Apply by pressing the button "Apply for position" in the job announcement on our website.
The IT University might upon request in the interview process contact 1-2 references.
Application deadline: 15 April 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Applications/enclosures received at ITU after the application deadline will not be taken into consideration. If you submit an application, it is your responsibility to ensure that it arrives before the deadline so please allow sufficient time for upload of publications and other documents.
At The IT University of Copenhagen, we have an international environment and view diversity as a valuable resource. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive working environment for all our employees and encourage all qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation, or ethnic background to apply for the position.
As ITU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex