Postdoctoral Researcher Cross-linguistic semantics, experimental research

Updated: over 1 year ago
Deadline: 06 Dec 2022

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The Faculty of Humanities, Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL) is looking for a:

Postdoctoral Researcher Cross-linguistic semantics, experimental research (0,8 FTE)
Vacancy number: 22-753 13187 

Project description
The NWO Open Competition project On the representation of quantities: how our brains shape language will investigate properties of quantity expressions in human language from the perspective of how quantity is represented in the brain. It aims to identify how and to what extent the mental representation of quantity determines its linguistic expression, thus seeking to connect results from cognitive research on quantity representation to properties of quantity expressions in languages of the world. The project includes large scale data collection from a typologically representative sample of languages using different methodologies.

For this project, we are currently looking for a PhD candidate (see vacancy number 22-751) and a Postdoctoral Researcher (this vacancy).

Key responsibilities

•    Setting up and carrying out parallel experiments (eye-tracking) and data studies (corpora, surveys) for four languages: English, Dutch, Indonesian and Mandarin
•    Testing and refining hypotheses that connect cross-linguistic generalizations to existing knowledge of mental quantity representations
•    Presenting research results at international conferences and workshops
•    Publishing research results in international journals
•    Participating in the research group of the project (this includes outreach activities and contributions to the design of a cross-linguistic database that will be created by the PhD candidate)
Selection criteria
•    Completed PhD in linguistics
•    Demonstrable affinity with and knowledge of formal semantics
•    Demonstrable affinity with data driven, cross-linguistic research
•    Hands-on experience in experimental linguistics
•    Excellent command of English
•    Preferred qualifications include good command of Dutch, Indonesian and/or Mandarin, a sound knowledge of statistics and familiarity with the cognitive literature on number representation and magnitude representation.

Our organisation
Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL ) is one of seven Institutes that falls under the Faculty of Humanities. With over 120 linguists working at the Institute, it is a rich research environment that prides itself on fostering scientific excellence. At LUCL we offer extensive research support to our researchers. For example, our in-house grant officer will advise and help you apply for grants, a dedicated project officer will guide you with project finances and a communications advisor is on hand to assist you in publicising your research.
LUCL has a longstanding tradition in the study of the world’s languages and features unique linguistic expertise. Current theoretical insights are combined with modern experimental methods in its research profile area ‘Language Diversity in the World’. Researchers from our six umbrella research groups are experts in their respective fields but equally find innovative ways of collaborating with other fields and disciplines.
The Faculty of Humanities is rich in expertise in fields such as philosophy, religious studies, history, art history, literature, linguistics and area studies covering nearly every region of the world. With its staff of 995, the faculty provides 27 master’s and 25 bachelor’s programmes for over 7,000 students based at locations in Leiden and in The Hague. For more information: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities . 

Terms and conditions
We offer a fixed term 0.8 fte position for a period of 4 years, preferably starting on 1st February 2023 (a 1.0 fte position for a shorter period is negotiable).
Salary range from €3974.- to €5439.- gross per month (pay scale 11), based on fulltime employement, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Depending on qualifications, you may start at the appropriate step in scale 10 until you fully meet the requirements for scale 11 as specified by the Faculty of Humanities, particularly with regard to the number of years of relevant work experience.. 

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions .
Diversity and inclusion
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information
For further information on this project please contact Prof. dr. Jenny Doetjes, email [email protected] , or on practical matters Maarit van Gammeren LLM, email [email protected] .
Applications
Please submit online your application no later than 12/06/2022 via the blue button in our application system.
Applicants should submit online:
•    A motivation letter;
•    A detailed curriculum vitae;
•    A (link to a) pdf of your dissertation and at least one article that you wrote;
•    Names, positions and contact information of two referees (no reference letters).
Interviews are planned between 12th and 22nd December.

Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated.

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