Research Linguist

Research Linguist - Multilingual AI/NLP - HIRING ASAP Location: Remote Working Start Date: ASAP Duration: 3-Month Contract (with extension) Daily Rate: £240 - £350 per day PAYE (Negotiable) Summary We are looking for a Research Linguist to join a highly innovative multilingual AI research environment, working at the intersection of linguistics, NLP and Responsible AI. This is an excellent opportunity for a PhD-qualified linguist to apply deep linguistic expertise to real-world AI systems, analysing model outputs across languages and helping improve the quality, safety and cultural understanding of multilingual AI. Responsibilities You'll work closely with research scientists, machine learning/NLP engineers and native-language specialists to:Analyse large multilingual datasets and AI-generated languageConduct detailed linguistic error analysis of AI/LLM outputs and identify recurring or high-impact error patternsResearch linguistic differences and similarities across a wide range of

languagesDevelop and refine annotation guidelines for multilingual AI and translation projectsAnalyse areas of Responsible AI, including toxic language, hate speech, gender bias and cultural biasConduct linguistic and NLP-focused literature reviews and summarise findingsEvaluate the quality of linguistic data delivered by external vendors and provide actionable feedbackProvide specialist guidance across typology, syntax, morphology, sociolinguistics, corpus linguistics, pragmatics, writing systems and phonologyCollaborate with native speakers across different languagesUse Python and SQL to analyse linguistic datasetsCommunicate research findings clearly to technical and research teamsContribute to research that may ultimately support academic publicationsTop 4 Skills NeededSolid grasp of General Linguistics theory at the research level: A strong academic foundation in general linguistics (with a PhD preferred) is essential, as candidates must be able to approach 100 to 1,600 languages
from a theoretical standpoint rather than relying on knowing every specific language.Cross-functional communication and project management: The ability to work independently through ambiguous requests, prioritize and plan work, and communicate findings effectively with engineers and research scientists.Experience with Python: Proficiency to read, tweak, and execute data science notebooks (using tools like pandas) and query databases, as required for analyzing datasets and working alongside data scientists.A PhD in Linguistics or a closely related field. The degree must be fully finished (not in progress).Key SkillsA completed PhD in Linguistics or a closely related linguistic discipline2-3 years of experienceNative or near-native proficiency in a Bantu or Dravidian languageNative or near-native proficiency in EnglishStrong Python skills for data analysisAbility to query datasets using SQLStrong knowledge of:Language typologySyntax and morphologySociolinguistics, including
dialectology and discourse analysisCorpus linguisticsPragmaticsPhonologyWriting systemsSome practical experience applying NLP techniquesExcellent written communication and ability to communicate research findings to both technical and non-technical audiencesAbility to independently manage complex research and analysisSkills Not NeededComputational Linguists: Candidates with a computer science background who have only taken an introductory linguistics course (e.g., a standard 16-week intro course found in some university programs) lack the necessary depth in theoretical linguistics.English Literature Graduates: An English literature degree is not a valid substitution for a linguistics degree.Candidates with In-Progress PhDs: Individuals currently completing or defending their PhD cannot manage the heavy workload alongside the demands of the roleNon-Theoretical or Purely Applied Backgrounds: Anyone who lacks a strong theoretical foundation in general linguistics will
struggle, as the role requires analysing languages far beyond standard or known sets.