Applications Program Manager (7300U), Linguistics - #85852

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We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

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Departmental Overview

The Department of Linguistics, within the Social Sciences Division of the College of Letters and Science, is highly regarded in the linguistics community. Our faculty and students have close contacts with other departments and programs on campus, including Anthropology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Education, Native American Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, and many language and literature departments. We are home to several laboratories and a language archive. The department consists of 25 faculty, including adjuncts and emeritus, approximately 40 graduate students and 100 undergraduate majors. We also host post-docs, visiting scholars, researchers and 6 staff FTE.

Position Summary

The responsibilities of this position are to: 1) Develop (in consultation with other team members, and the user community) a GUI for speech acoustic analysis using an existing library of analysis functions, with one of the main requirements of the GUI being a suite of editing tools to allow users to place and edit text tags on stretches of speech. 2) Work with other team members to revise and extend the current python speech analysis library with a focus on improving its stability and processing speed. This will involve making decisions about software design guidelines and dependencies that can be incorporated into the library. 3) Lead three zoom workshops on the software library and GUI for members of the user community.

The aim of the project is to develop a graphic user interface for a scientific library of routines in Python, and if time permits to improve and extend the library. The position will be best filled by a candidate who has skill and experience in python programming, particularly in applications that require real-time (or near real-time) analysis of audio signals like speech and music, and familiarity with graphic user interface development. The successful candidate should also be familiar with the git version control system, for team-built software, the pip software deployment system, and be an engaging representative of the project in workshops and group meetings.

This is a 12-month contract position, to work on a three person team (one PI, one part-time IT specialist, and this programmer).

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: May 14, 2026 (Must be 14 days from when the posting goes live, TA will input). For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

• In an iterative process with the PI and a panel of test users, design a graphic user interface for speech acoustic analysis, implement the design in python - using AI where appropriate. This position will be the project lead for this task and will be expected to do almost all of the coding involved in developing this tool. The programmer will be expected to consult with the PI on a weekly basis and deploy intermediate versions of the tool for feedback from other team members monthly.
• Modify the Phonlab library of phonetic routines to (1) improve the speed and efficiency of the analysis functions, and (2) standardize function call syntax, and (3) update and expand documentation. The programmer will share this responsibility with the PI and other members of the team. The team will split up tasks (particular functions or sections of code to work on) with the programmer taking a share of the work, particularly in sections of code that interface most closely with the GUI development.
• Lead on-line workshops training new users and get feedback to guide the software design work. The programmer will share this responsibility with the PI. The PI will do the outreach to get workshops set up and the programmer will help present material to them and help trouble shoot things for participants. The programmer will also help compile feedback forms and evaluate the feedback to determine priorities for further development.
• Add new capabilities to Phonlab - particularly to implement deep neural network methods for acoustic analysis. The programmer will be entirely responsible for this work. The PI will support the work with feedback and help in identifying suitable training materials that can be used to train DNN models.

Required Qualifications

• Intermediate knowledge of secure software development.
• Advanced skills associated with software design, modification, implementation and deployment, including object-oriented programming concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to understand functional needs and how systems can support those needs. Demonstrated ability to develop conversion and system implementation plans.
• Demonstrated ability to develop Deep Neural Network AI models.
• Demonstrated ability to interface with management on a regular basis.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute technical narrative to grant proposals.
• Thorough experience with identification and use of code libraries and open-source forums as well as experience using AI tools to speed code development when appropriate.
• Experience with planning for deployment and creation of feedback mechanisms.
• Demonstrated software repository skills. Demonstrated testing and test planning skills.
• Thorough experience with common programming tools. Demonstrated ability to follow software specifications.
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.
• Self-motivated and works independently and as part of a team. Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated broad problem solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $82,800.00 - $106,000.00.

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is a 12-month, full-time (40 hours per week), contract appointment eligible for full UC-benefits.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is eligible for up to 40% (2 days/week) remote work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.