Postdoctoral Researcher in Cross-Cultural Psycho-/Neurolinguistics

University of Zurich; Zürich; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

80% FTE position

One-year contract, extendable

Teaching responsibilities (20%)

Job summary

University of Zurich invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in cross-cultural psycho-/neurolinguistics, focusing on language processing and its relation to cognition. The role centers on experiments across diverse languages and collaboration within the NCCR Evolving Language network.

The candidate should have a PhD in linguistics/psycholinguistics/neurolinguistics, experience with experimental methods and data analysis, and a strong interest in evolutionary questions.

Qualifications

• PhD in linguistics/psycholinguistics/neurolinguistics or closely related field.
• Experience with experimental methods and data analysis in language science.
• Interest in cross-cultural language research and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop experiments on language processing and planning across diverse languages.
• Collaborate with the NCCR Work Package 'Events' team under supervision.
• Publish findings and present at seminars and conferences.

Skills

Experimental methods

Statistical data analysis

Psycholinguistics

Neurolinguistics

Linguistics

Cross-cultural fieldwork

Education

PhD in Linguistics/Psycholinguistics/Neurolinguistics

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in Cross-Cultural Psycho-/Neurolinguistics

The NCCR Evolving Language (www.evolvinglanguage.ch ) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in cross-cultural research on language processing and its relationship with other aspects of cognition, with a specific focus on syntax and event cognition.

The NCCR is a Swiss National Center of Competence in Research with the goal of creating a new discipline, Evolutionary Language Science, that targets the origins and future of language. The center consists of scientists from traditionally separated academic domains, which allows us to harvest the diverse expertise from the humanities, social sciences, computational sciences, natural sciences and medicine towards a broadscale collaboration.

Your responsibilities

In collaboration with a team from the NCCR Work Package “Events” and under the supervision of Professor Balthasar Bickel, the postdoc will lead and develop a series of studies using chiefly experimental methods to investigate language processing and planning and the wider cognitive background of this in a diverse set of languages, drawing chiefly on the NCCR’s existing network of collaborations worldwide (NCCR research facilities ).

Your profile

Successful candidates will be thoroughly familiar with experimental methods and statistical data analysis in language science. They are trained in psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, and/or linguistics and are keen on engaging with evolutionary questions. Experience with cross-cultural fieldwork is an additional strong asset.

The NCCR Evolving Language places great emphasis on teamwork and multidisciplinary perspectives. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential. Excellent oral and written communication in English is required.

Information on your application

Review of applications will start September 10, 2026, and the position remains open until filled.

What we offer

This is an 80% FTE position, which includes 20% teaching.The position is offered as a one-year contract, with a potential extension by agreement to up to fouryears total.

Place of work is Zurich, Switzerland, but the successful candidate is expected to conduct experiments in various places across the world.

Start of employment

As soon as possible.