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Mika Söhnlein

@mikashnlein

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Multilingual linguist and data associate combining research, translation, and data skills.

Netherlands

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What I'm looking for

I seek roles that combine linguistic research and data work in collaborative, academically engaged teams, offering growth and impact.

I am a multilingual linguist and data professional with a strong background in experimental language research and practical experience in data work and translation. I hold an RMA in Linguistics from Utrecht University and have published a master's thesis on segmentation, iconicity, and neurodivergence in language evolution.

My professional experience spans academic research assistance, presentations at conferences, and applied roles including Senior Data Associate at Amazon Web Services and freelance translation (English↔German). I bring hands-on experience building academic writing modules and coordinating interdisciplinary projects.

I contribute actively to academic and community initiatives, organising events like Lingathon and volunteering as a course coordinator and tutor. I combine technical skills (Praat, R, Python, JavaScript) with communication strengths in multiple languages (German native, English IELTS 8.5, Dutch B1/B2, French B1/B2, Korean intermediate, Italian A2).

I am motivated by roles that bridge linguistic research and data-driven applications, where I can apply analytical rigour, multilingual communication, and project coordination to produce measurable impact.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Data Associate

Current

Amazon Web Services

Aug 2025 - Present (1 month)

Data Associate for the Artificial General Intelligence team, contributing to data preparation and annotation workflows to support model development and evaluation.

Data Annotation Data Cleaning Python R Quality Assurance AGI Research Support Documentation

Current

Freelance Translator

Current

Freelance

Oct 2024 - Present (11 months)

Provide English↔German translation services for documents and communications, ensuring linguistic accuracy and cultural appropriateness.

Translation German Editing Proofreading CAT Tools Linguistic Analysis

Current

Bar / Service Staff

Current

Café Tilt

May 2024 - Present (1 year 4 months)

Performed bar and serving duties including customer service, order handling, and upkeep of service areas to maintain efficient café operations.

Customer Service Bartending Inventory Management Teamwork Time Management

Student Assistant

Utrecht University

Nov 2022 - Mar 2023 (4 months)

Built an academic writing module for PhD and MSc natural science students and supported Dr. Kim van Ommering in course development and instruction.

Curriculum Development Instructional Design Research Assistance Communication Microsoft Office

Service Assistant

University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen

Sep 2021 - Jul 2022 (10 months)

Coordinated dietary communication between patients and clinical staff and managed organisational tasks to ensure timely delivery of patient meals.

Coordination Customer Service Organization Teamwork

Kitchen Assistant

Waldgaststätte Filzenklas

May 2015 - Aug 2019 (4 years 3 months)

Provided kitchen support including food preparation and cleaning duties during seasonal employment.

Food Preparation Kitchen Hygiene Teamwork Time Management

Editorial Intern

WeltN24

Nov 2017 - Jan 2018 (2 months)

Researched topics for news segments, supported editors with guest coordination and conducted interviews and filming for broadcast pieces.

Research Interviewing Coordination News Writing

Radio Intern

Radio Energy

Aug 2017 - Oct 2017 (2 months)

Researched music and artists, coordinated interviews and hotline service, and produced and edited audio and video segments for broadcasts.

Audio Editing Research Interview Coordination Script Writing Hotline Management Production

Intern

Bayerischer Rundfunk

May 2016 - May 2016 (0 months)

Researched topics and assisted in preparation and conducting of interviews and filming for news segments.

Research Interview Preparation Filming Support Communication

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Utrecht University

Master of Arts, Linguistics

2022 - 2024

Activities and societies: Published MA thesis; gave conference talks and poster presentations; organised Lingathon.

Completed an RMA in Linguistics with a thesis on segmentation, iconicity, and neurodivergence in language evolution.

University of Tuebingen

Bachelor of Arts, English and American Studies

2018 - 2022

Activities and societies: Minor in Korean Studies; poster presentation at Dag van de Fonetik; tutoring and volunteering.

Completed a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with a thesis on translating a Korean poem into English and connections between emotion and phonetics.