LINGUIST List 26.682

Mon Feb 02 2015

Support: Language Acquisition, Neurolinguistics, Psycholinguistics, Text/Corpus Linguistics / Germany

Editor for this issue: Danuta Allen <danutalinguistlist.org>


Date: 02-Feb-2015
From: Michael Schaefer <grkfrequenz.uni-freiburg.de>
Subject: Language Acquisition, Neurolinguistics, Psycholinguistics, Text/Corpus Linguistics: PhD Student, University of Freiburg, Germany
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Department: Group: DFG GRK 1624 Frequency Effects in Language
Web Address: http://frequenz.uni-freiburg.de

Level: PhD

Institution/Organization: University of Freiburg

Duties: Research,Project Work

Specialty Areas: Language Acquisition; Neurolinguistics; Psycholinguistics; Text/Corpus Linguistics


Description:

The University of Freiburg, Germany, invites applications for 5 fully-funded Ph.D. positions on the topic of frequency effects in language, beginning October 1, 2015. An earlier starting date can be arranged in individual cases, but not a later one.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Successful applicants will be members of the Research Training Group on "Frequency effects in language" (Graduiertenkolleg DFG GRK 1624/2), which after successful evaluation of its work by the German Research Foundation (DFG) is currently in its second funding period.

Frequency is assumed to be an important determinant in usage-based models of language change, language acquisition and language processing. In the Ph.D. projects, this determinant will be investigated with a view both to its explanatory potential and its limitations. The proposed research combines quantitative- corpuslinguistic methods with experimental psycho- and neurolinguistics in the analysis of standard and non-standard data from a wide range of European languages. This agenda builds on cutting-edge research in usage-based linguistics, carried out both internationally and in the Research Training Group's own work during its first funding period (October 2009 to March 2014).

A list of possible Ph.D. topics is provided on the Group's website. Applicants are also welcome to suggest their own topics, where suitable, and to develop them in discussions with potential supervisors.

The University of Freiburg has created a unique infrastructure and environment for research in linguistics and cognitive science, especially for young scholars at Ph.D. and postdoctoral level. Key elements in this environment are strong Linguistics sections in the Departments of English, German, Romance Languages and Slavic Studies, several Masters programmes in Linguistics and Cognitive Science, the Hermann Paul Center for Linguistics (HPCL), and the Hermann-Paul-Graduate School of Language Sciences (HPSL), which is jointly operated with the neighbouring University of Basel.
We offer:
- a fully paid research-only position (TV-L E13, 65 %) for up to three years;
- additional travel grants and funding for materials and equipment;
- funding for inviting guest scholars and organizing workshops;
- an interdisciplinary teaching programme that enables you to carry out state-of- the-art research in usage-based linguistics;
- an efficient supervision and mentoring programme;
- a high-profile research environment bridging the gap between Linguistics and the Cognitive-Psycholinguistic Sciences;
- a vibrant community of Ph.D. students and post-docs in the language sciences;
- one of the leading European universities (both in teaching and research; member of the League of European Research Universities);
- a campus in the city centre with a highly international atmosphere;
- one of the most attractive university towns in Germany (total population: about 220,000), capital of the Black Forest, bordering on France and Switzerland.

Requirements:
- an excellent first degree in Linguistics, Cognitive Science, or a related field;
- full commitment to a Ph.D. project on frequency effects in language;
- excellent command (written and spoken) of either English or German, the Group's two working languages; basic German for routine conversation is helpful, but not a requirement.

How to Apply:
For more information on the Special Research Training Group, the nature and range of Ph.D. projects envisaged, and details of the application process, please visit the application website.

Applications Deadline: 23-Mar-2015

Mailing Address for Applications:
        Attn: Dr. Michael Schaefer
        Belfortstrasse 18
        Freiburg 79098
        Germany

Web Address for Applications: http://frequenz.uni-freiburg.de/bewerbung

Contact Information:
        Dr. Michael Schaefer
        grkfrequenz.uni-freiburg.de
        Phone:+49-76120397674


Page Updated: 02-Feb-2015