Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) in experimental linguistics

Ruhr-Universität Bochum; Bochum; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 55.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A major research university in Germany is seeking a Postdoctoral researcher in experimental linguistics for a DFG funded project. The role involves conducting research, designing experiments, and mentoring. Ideal candidates should have a PhD and expertise in experimental methods. The position offers independence and collaboration in a diverse team, located in Bochum, a vibrant metropolitan area. Applications are due by September 23, 2025.

Leistungen

Extensive training and professional development opportunities

Travel funds

Qualifikationen

• Proven expertise in experimental methods and statistical analysis.
• Solid publication record in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience supervising students is an advantage.

Aufgaben

• Carry out collaborative research on at-issueness and propositional prominence.
• Design and conduct experimental studies.
• Analyze and model results within a theoretical framework and publish in top venues.
• Mentor the project’s doctoral researcher.
• Advise student assistants in project work.
• Host visiting scholars and organize talks/workshops.

Kenntnisse

Experimental methods

Statistical analysis

Team spirit

Academic English proficiency

Ausbildung

PhD in linguistics or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Faculty of Philology: Chair of German Linguistics/Language System – DFG research project “At-issueness as propositional prominence”

In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) by November 1, 2025 or later, we are looking for a Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) in experimental linguistics.

Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) in experimental linguistics

The DFG research funded project “At-issueness as propositional prominence” (led by Prof. Dr. Daniel Gutzmann) investigates the concept of “at-issueness”, as used in semantics and pragmatics, reconceiving it as the relative prominence of propositions.

You will take on a senior role within the project and will, in collaboration with the PI and a doctoral researcher, carry out research on the gradience of at-issue and the factors that influence the accessibility of propositions in discourse. You will be primarily responsible for the design and implementation of experimental studies and the analysis of the results.

Your tasks:

• Carry out collaborative research on at-issueness and propositional prominence
• Design and conduct experimental studies
• Analyze and model results within a theoretical framework and publish in top venues
• Mentor the project’s doctoral researcher
• Advise student assistants in project work
• Host visiting scholars (including a Mercator Fellow) and organize talks/workshops
• No teaching duties

Your profile:

• Excellent PhD in linguistics or a closely related field
• Proven expertise in experimental methods and statistical analysis
• Solid publication record in international peer-reviewed journals
• Team spirit and collaborative mindset
• Adequate proficiency in academic English (writing and communication)
• Desirable: expertise in theoretical semantics/pragmatics and/or computational modeling (e.g., linear OT, Harmonic Grammar, RSA)
• Experience supervising students is an advantage

We offer:

• Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
• Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team
• Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
• A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings
• Extensive training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to advance your academic career by focusing on research and publications
• Travel funds

Further information:

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L. Further information can be found at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum website (in German).

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum. If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.

Please submit your application as a PDF file, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae with a list of publications and academic presentations, a list of supervised theses (including B.A. or M.A. theses) and/or collaborative work with doctoral students, a list of organized workshops, leadership and coordination activities, your PhD thesis, and the names and contact information of two references.

German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA). The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. On request, it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact [e-mail] for further information.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, fostering interdisciplinary work and diversity. We encourage applications from women and individuals with disabilities.

Contact persons for further information:

Daniel Gutzmann (Tel.: [phone])

Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews cannot be reimbursed.

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2025-09-23. Please mention the reference number ANR 4928.

Online application