Four doctoral positions in Linguistics (Experimental Pragmatics) at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany.
The graduate group “Pragmatic Enrichment: Theoretical and experimental approaches” offers 4 doctoral positions to work in a stimulating working environment in theoretical and psycho/neurolinguistic research. The positions are available from October 1, 2009 or shortly thereafter. The graduate group has been established as part of the university’s initiative “Pro Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften” and brings together researchers from the Department of English and Linguistics (http://www.linguistik.uni-mainz.de/) and the German Institute (http://www.germanistik.uni-mainz.de/linguistik/index.php) to work on different aspects of enriched composition. The speaker of the group is Prof. Joerg Meibauer.
We offer 4 doctoral positions for 2 years each, with a possible extension for another year contingent on future funding. Each doctoral position has a particular focus on theoretical, typological or experimental approaches to enriched composition. The members of the graduate group will work together closely and are expected to actively participate in workshops and international conferences. They are also expected to assume teaching responsibilities within the participating institutions (1 course/2 hours per week).
1 doctoral position each is available
a. to focus on theoretical aspects of enriched composition (semantics/pragmatics distinction, implicature theory), with the aim of formulating specific hypotheses for future experimentation (supervised by Joerg Meibauer). Prior experience in theoretical linguistics with a focus on pragmatics and knowledge of German is desired.
b. to conduct ERP research on different phenomena of enriched composition at the semantics/pragmatics interface with a main focus on German (supervised by Petra Schumacher). Prior experience in linguistic theory with a focus on pragmatics and/or ERP research is desired.
c. to carry out research on enrichment in one or more East Asian language(s) from a typological-comparative perspective (supervised by Walter Bisang). Experience with linguistic typology and knowledge of one (or more) East Asian languages.
d. to approach typological investigations of enriched composition through ERP studies with a main focus on East Asian and/or South East Asian languages (supervised by Matthias Schlesewsky). Prior experience in Chinese, Vietnamese and/or related languages as well as interest in ERP research is desired.
Ideal candidates should have a degree in linguistics or a related discipline. They should have a keen interest in pragmatic theory, as well as in experimental work. The successful candidates will work towards a PhD in Linguistics from the University of Mainz on a topic related to the graduate group. Each position is granted a stipend of 1000 Euro/month.
Interested candidates are invited to send their application materials electronically to spahn(at)uni-mainz(dot)de. Pdf files are preferred. Applications can be written in German or English and should include
(a) a curriculum vitae
(b) copies of diplomas
(c) contact information for at least two referees
(d) a cover letter describing research interests
Please also submit a hard copy to Department of English and Linguistics; Attention: Mrs. Spahn; Jakob-Welder-Weg 18; 55099 Mainz; Germany
In order to increase the proportion of female staff members, applications from women are particularly encouraged. Disabled applicants are preferred if qualification is equal.
Applications received by September 10, 2009 will receive full consideration, however, the search continues until the positions have been filled.
For more information about our lab: http://www.linguistik.uni-mainz.de/schlesewsky/neurolab/
For specific information about the graduate group, you can contact the individual supervisors (see above)