Two PhD positions in general linguistics (f/m/d)

The Leibniz-Centre General Linguistics (ZAS) invites applications for TWO PhD research positions in general linguistics. The positions require an M.A. degree (or equivalent) and can be awarded initially for THREE years for candidates with no prior periods of work towards a doctoral degree.

Candidates who have done prior work towards a doctoral degree should state the number of months required for completion in their application letter. The position is compensated at pay level 65% TVöD-E13, and the selected applicant should start the position between September 1st, 2024 and January 1, 2025.  Residency in or close to Berlin is required during the time of employment.

Candidates are invited to define a research topic for their dissertation that they feel a strong desire to pursue with the support of the current ZAS staff and facilities. The research topic of the dissertation should contribute to one or more of the current research themes at ZAS (see https://www.leibniz-zas.de/en/research/research-themes/). One of ZAS’s main objectives is to prepare researchers for careers within academia as well as other professional spheres.

Additional skill development outside of ZAS (e.g. training schools, internships, teaching) can also be supported by ZAS if necessary. The supervisor(s) and committee of the dissertation should include qualified members of the ZAS research staff but can also include outside researchers.

Applicants should send, in a single pdf or zip file named [family name of applicant] - ZASPhD, an application containing the following:

1. An APPLICATION LETTER of maximally three pages describing the candidate's motivation to pursue a PhD in linguistics as well as a planned dissertation topic, its current state and steps and resources needed to develop and complete the dissertation. At least one paragraph should furthermore specify which of the current research themes  the dissertation project relates to. If already known, the application letter should specify planned supervisor(s) or committee member(s) of the dissertation. Finally, if the candidate has already started work on a dissertation in linguistics, information on the status of that work should be included.
2. An ACADEMIC CV including a list of presentations, publications and other works (e.g., web sites, apps, organizing activities) providing evidence of incipient research capacity.
3. Up to THREE PUBLICATIONS or term papers that support the application.
4. Scans of all relevant academic transcripts and degree CERTIFICATES.
5. SUPPORTING LETTER(s) by at least one established researcher involved in the applicant's academic education. The letters can also be sent by the referees in a separate email to bewerbung(at)leibniz-zas.de.

The PDF or ZIP file should be sent by e-mail with 'ZAS PhD Position' in the subject line to bewerbung(at)leibniz-zas.de by the deadline. Applications will be acknowledged within three working days and applicants are requested to contact ZAS otherwise.

ZAS is a member of the Leibniz Association, and it is a university-independent, public research institute located in Berlin and funded by the German federal and Berlin state government with a mission to understand the human capacity for language. In addition to its institutional funding, ZAS currently hosts several research grants resulting in a total research staff of over 40 linguists and 25 support staff, many visitors and a lively internal discussion culture within and across its four research areas. In 2023, ZAS moved to newly built premises at Pariser Str. 1 in Berlin Wilmersdorf, which offer modern office, lab and common spaces for its researchers. ZAS is certified for ensuring family-friendly working conditions by the audit "berufundfamilie" (jobandfamily). ZAS strives to strengthen gender balance and diversity of staff in all working areas and at all scientific levels. Members of groups traditionally underrepresented in German academic positions as well as in science support positions are particularly encouraged to apply. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability status. The common language of research communication within ZAS is English, but for administrative tasks some knowledge of German is helpful.

Open until filled, deadline for initial selection: July 8, 2024, 14:00 CEST

Contact Information: Artemis Alexiadou, artemis(at)leibniz-zas.de

Application email: bewerbung@leibniz-zas.de