Position

The Machine Learning for Services (MLS) team at Xerox Research Centre Europe conducts research in machine learning and computational statistics with applications to abstract knowledge representation, content creation and recommendation systems.
We are currently looking for a researcher with the skills to develop software tools that integrate machine and human intelligence into a new range of services to support knowledge workers in organizations. Applications of interest include (but are not limited to):

• Collaborative platforms that integrate the input of machine learning algorithms, crowd-sourcing, and expert human operators in order to power a new generation of help desk services.
• Personalized assistance tools based on text understanding and multi-document summarization to facilitate sharing of unstructured information within the enterprise.
• Semi-automated tools for finding experts or for forming teams within the enterprise.

Applicants should have experience in prototyping, developing, and deploying usable front-end solutions that leverage the suite of machine learning back-end solutions developed by MLS collaborators. They will have to demonstrate their capacity to define and/or implement research plans, to carry out leading research through collaboration with Xerox researchers and the wider academic community. As a researcher they will be expected to formalize challenging problems, develop new solutions, and work with business and development teams to ensure that these have a significant impact.

Requirements:
PhD in Computer Science or a related field with expertise in the area(s) of human-computer interaction, social computing, machine learning, computational linguistics or cognitive system.
The successful candidate will have an outstanding record of peer-reviewed publications. He or she will have work experience in several languages and platforms, Java, Hadoop, C#, .NET, Objective-C, Python, Django, Ruby on Rails, Javascript, etc., as well as with databases (SQLServer, MySQL, or Hbase). He or she will have experience in user interface development, including iterative prototyping from early proof-of-concepts to interfaces mature enough for transfer to a product team.
Strengths in the followings areas would be a plus

• Experience in parallel programming and large-scale data analytics using packages.
• Industry experience in developing and deploying collaborative applications as part of a team.
• Ability to develop applications that span multiple platforms (mobile, web, and desktop).
• Experience in running studies on prototypes for knowledge workers.

31 January 2012. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

18 months

Informal inquiries are welcome and can be made to Cedric.Archambeau@xrce.xerox.com, Guillaume.Bouchard@xrce.xerox.com, and Gregorio.Convertino@xrce.xerox.com.

To submit an application, please send your CV and cover letter to both xrce-candidates@xrce.xerox.com and the aforementioned email addresses. You should also include in your CV at least three people we can contact for letters of recommendation.

Xerox Research Centre Europe (XRCE) is a young, dynamic research organization, which creates innovative technologies to support growth in Xerox business process outsourcing and document management services businesses.

Our domains of research stretch from the social sciences to computer science. We have renowned expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, ethnography and services computing.

XRCE is part of the Xerox Innovation group made up of 800 researchers and engineers in four world-renowned research and technology centres. Xerox and XRCE is an equal opportunity employer.

The "Charte de la diversité”, adopted by Xerox, proves our engagement in favour of cultural, ethnic and social diversity. Our main building is compliant with the AGEFIPH standards for disabled access.

The Grenoble site is set in a park in the heart of the French Alps in a stunning location only a few kilometers from the city centre. The city of Grenoble has a large scientific community made up of national research institutes (CNRS, Universities, INRIA) and private industries. Stimulated also by the presence of a large student community, Grenoble has become a resolutely modern city, with a rich heritage and a vibrant cultural scene. It is a lively and cosmopolitan place, offering a host of leisure opportunities. Winter sports resorts just half an hour from campus and three natural parks at the city limits make running, skiing, trekking, climbing and paragliding easily available.
Grenoble is close to both the Swiss and Italian borders.