Institution/Organization: Research Training Group Dimensions of Constructional Space

Level: MA / MSc

Duties: Research

Specialty Areas: Cognitive Science; Computational Linguistics; Historical Linguistics; Psycholinguistics
Required Language(s): English (eng)

Description:

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Research Training Group Dimensions of Constructional Space

The DFG-funded Research Training Group Dimensions of Constructional Space at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg is looking for 13 doctoral researchers to work on a variety of projects within the Construction Grammar framework.

The early-career researchers involved in the RTG will benefit from a structured research training program comprising a winter school, three bootcamps, and regular seminars and research group meetings as well as a variety of optional courses, international placement opportunities, and individual coaching. The qualification program is designed to recruit high quality doctoral candidates and to provide them with a solid foundation in linguistic theory and research methods. Each doctoral candidate will have two supervisors from different disciplines or methodological approaches and one or two additional advisors (one of whom will normally be associated with a research group outside of Germany). Candidates will also gain experience working in an interdisciplinary context, acquire a variety of transferrable skills and have opportunities to develop an extensive network of international contacts, all of which will prepare them for careers both within and outside of academia. 

All the groups' activities will be conducted in English, so knowledge of German is not required (except for projects which specifically involve the German language).

You have:
- a master’s degree in linguistics or a related discipline (or, for project 9, MSc in computer science, neuroimaging, physics or biology)
- previous academic experience relevant to the project
- ability to work independently and as part of a team
- fluency in English

We offer:
- funding for 3 years (65%, E13, i.e. approx. €3000 per month before tax) starting 1 October 2025
- cutting-edge research in the Construction Grammar framework
- excellent supervision
- structured degree programme

Applications should be in English and should contain the following:
- an academic CV
- a cover letter explaining how you meet the recruitment criteria, which project you are applying for, why you are interested in this particular project, and where appropriate, up to two additional projects that you would like to be considered for
- an academic writing sample in English (e. g. MA dissertation, essay, or a review of the literature relevant to the project)
- details (name, affiliation, email, and relationship to you) of 2-3 academic referees

Informal enquiries and applications for the positions should be submitted by email to [email protected].

The subject line should have the following format:
Application PhD project XX (alternatively, project YY and ZZ) – please insert project number as appropriate.

More details about the RTG and the projects can be found here: https://www.cxg.phil.fau.eu/projects/new-phd-positions-2025/

Application Deadline: 04-May-2025

Email Address for Applications: [email protected]

Contact Information:
Dr Susanne Dyka