Institution/Organization: University of Bern
Department: Institute of Linguistics
Web Address: https://www.isw.unibe.ch/index_eng.html

Level: PhD

Specialty Areas: General Linguistics; Historical Linguistics; Language Documentation; Text/Corpus Linguistics; Typology
Required Language(s): Sino-Tibetan
Tibeto-Burman

Description:

Institute of Linguistics
01 September 2024 or by agreement
Employment is fixed for 4 years (2.5 years plus 1.5 years).

As part of the SNF-funded project “Uncovering the dynamics of person marking: A construction-based approach in historical microtypology”, PI Prof.Dr. Linda Konnerth (Institute of Linguistics), we are seeking to hire one PhD student.

Tasks:
- Carry out corpus research on a Trans-Himalayan (Sino-Tibetan) language of the South-Central (a.k.a. “Kuki-Chin”) branch spoken in Northeast India with the goal of tracking person forms (primarily inclusive/exclusive) in natural data
- Conduct fieldwork in Northeast India for the purpose of extending existing corpora
- Conduct microtypological research on clusivity in the South-Central branch
- Closely collaborate with other team members of the research project
- Participate in activities of the North East Indian Linguistics Society (NEILS)
- Participate in activities of the Institute of Linguistics at UniBE

Requirements:
- MA degree (or equivalent) in linguistics or a related field in hand by July 2024
- Interests and comprehensive prior training in corpus linguistics, linguistic fieldwork, typology, historical linguistics, from a functional-typological perspective
- Knowledge of relevant software such as ELAN, FLEx, or a commitment to acquire this knowledge prior to the start of the project; a desire to explore innovative (computational) methods is a plus
- Social skills needed to successfully collaborate with language consultants and other important members of the language community, as well as with the research team members
- Commitment to communicate research results through publications and conference presentations

We offer:
- Engaging & international collaborative research group
- Multi-facetted and interesting range of tasks
- Progressive employment and social security provisions in accordance with cantonal guidelines

Application and Contact:
For information about the position, please contact by email Prof. Dr. Linda Konnerth: [email protected]
Please send your application (including a cover letter detailing research experience and motivation, CV, course transcripts, two writing samples, names and contact information of two references) electronically by no later than 29 April 2024 for priority consideration to the following e-mail address: [email protected] .

Application Deadline: 28-May-2024

Email Address for Applications: [email protected]

Contact Information:
[email protected]