PhD Position in Linguistics

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide. 

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences. People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed.

The faculty’s research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society. The FHSE offers six Bachelor and twenty Master degrees and a doctoral school providing students with the necessary knowledge and high-qualified skills to succeed in their future career.

We are interested in empirical projects which investigate linguistic diversity focusing on language acquisition and multilingual pedagogy in higher education in the University’s official languages German, English, French (and Luxembourgish). Projects dealing with a single language will only be considered if they contain a major descriptive or typological component of German. The final form of the dissertation project will be determined in collaboration with the supervisor Birgit Huemer.

Doctoral studies extend over a 3-year period (with the possibility of extension for one year) during which the PhD-student will receive a salary as an employee of the department. Doctoral students are expected to engage in full-time study and research, and to participate actively in the department’s activities.

We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in linguistics, who is highly motivated and interested in linguistic diversity. To qualify for a doctoral position in Linguistics a candidate should hold a master’s degree in Linguistics or equivalent. Excellent command of at least two of the following languages is required: German and English or French; Luxembourgish is considered an asset.

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval
• Employee and student status
• Job Reference: UOL05247

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 38028 (full time)

Applications in German or English should be submitted online and include:

• A letter of intent describing your research interests and motivation for PhD studies (maximum one page)
• A CV containing (i) a description of your education in linguistics and other relevant areas, (ii) a list of academic results, (iii) a list of any academic publications, (iv) professional experience relevant to academic research, and (v) relevant technical skills (maximum three pages)
• An authorized copy of your MA degree (or equivalent)
• A three-page sample of your written academic German (or English) (from publications or previously submitted academic coursework)
• A sample research proposal which (i) states a research question, (ii) describes the methodology and work plan, and (iii) contextualizes the expected results in relation to the state of the art. The actual dissertation project of the successful candidate will be worked out in collaboration with the supervisor. (Four pages including references)
• Other documents which the applicant would like to adduce

We ensure a full consideration for applications received by 1st of October 2022. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR). 
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …