POST-DOC: SPEECH & NEURAL NETS

[Ron Cole]

      POST-DOCTORAL POSITION AT OREGON GRADUATE CENTER
          
          Speech Recognition with Neural Nets


A post-doctoral position is available at the 
Oregon Graduate Center to study connectionist 
approaches to computer speech recognition,
beginning Summer or Fall, 1989.  

The main requirements are 
(1) a strong background in the theory 
and application of neural networks, and 
(2) willingness to learn about the 
wonderful world of speech.  
Knowledge of computer speech recognition is helpful
but not required;  the PI has extensive experience in
the area and is willing to teach the necessary skills.

The goal of our research is to develop 
speech recognition algorithms that are motivated 
by research on hearing, acoustic phonetics
and speech perception, and to compare performance of 
algorithms that use neural network classifiers 
to more traditional techniques. 
In the past year, our group has applied neural network
classification to several problem areas in
speaker-independent recognition of continuous speech:
Pitch and formant tracking, segmentation, broad 
phonetic classification and fine phonetic discrimination.
In addition, we have recently demonstrated 
the feasibility of using multi-layered networks to 
identify languages on the basis of their temporal characteristics 
(preprint available from vincew at ogc.cse.edu).

OGC provides an excellent environment for research 
in speech recognition and neural networks, 
with state-of-the-art speech processing software 
(including Dick Lyon's cochleogram, a representation
based on a computational model of the auditory system),
speech databases, and simulation tools.
The department has a Sequent Symmetry multiprocessor, 
Intel Hypercube and Cogent Research XTM parallel workstations,
and the speech project has several dedicated Sun4 and Sun3 workstations.
The speech group has close ties with Dan Hammerstrom's 
Cognitive Architecture Project at OGC, and with Les Atlas 
and his group at the University of Washington.

OGC is located ten miles west of Portland on a spacious campus in
the heart of Oregon's technology corridor.  Nearby companies include 
Sequent, Intel, Tektronix, Cogent Research, Mentor Graphics,
BiiN, NCUBE, and FPS Computing.  The cultural attractions of 
Portland are close by, and the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Coast and Cascade Mts (skiing through September) are less than
90 minutes away.  Housing is inexpensive and quality of life is
excellent.

Please send resume to: 

Ronald Cole
Computer Science and Engineering
Oregon Graduate Center
Beaverton, OR 97006

503 690 1159