University or Organization: Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics 
Job Location: Nijmegen, Netherlands 
Web Address: http://www.mpi.nl/departments/language-and-genetics/projects/genetic-biasing-in-language-and-speech
Job Rank: Post Doc

Specialty Areas: Phonetics; Phonology; Psycholinguistics 

Description:

The Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands, is
a world leader in the multidisciplinary approaches to the study of language. A
new direction is represented by the effects of genes on language change and
linguistic diversity. The project “Genetic Biases in Speech and Language”
awarded to Dr. Dan Dediu by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific
Research (NWO) will investigate the genetic influences on the speech organs
and their effects on phonetics and phonology. While genes do not directly act
on speech and language, they can influence language change through biased
cultural transmission across generations, playing a role in both linguistic
universals and diversity. This is a highly inter-disciplinary project hosted
by the Language and Genetics Department. More information can be found at the
web address above.

Within this project, applications are invited for one full-time fixed-term
postdoctoral position for 2 years with a possibility of extension.

Job description:
The main focus will be on the identification and study of the parameters of
the speech organs affecting cross-linguistic variation in phonetics and
phonology, and will involve cross-disciplinary extensive literature reviews,
experimental and computational work, and statistical data analysis using
cutting-edge methods. The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects
of the project, will actively participate in all its major stages, and will
help supervising at least one PhD student.

The successful candidate will be part of the Language and Genetics Department
led by Prof. Simon Fisher, will closely collaborate with the Language and
Cognition Department led by Prof. Stephen Levinson, and will participate in
cross-disciplinary activities such as reading groups and workshops.

Qualifications and background:
Candidates should have a strong background in articulatory phonetics and
speech production, supported by a PhD in Linguistics, Speech Sciences or
allied disciplines. It is essential to have good quantitative and data
analysis skills, and experience with laboratory techniques concerning speech
production represents a major advantage. Interests and experience with
computer modeling, evolutionary biology and genetics are desirable.

Salary and start date:
The salary is according to the German TVöD and the applications will be
reviewed on an on-going basis until the position is filled.

Application procedure:
Please include a cover letter highlighting your qualifications and motivation,
a CV containing a publications list highlighting one or two representative
publications, a brief research statement and research plans, and the contact
details of two referees. These should be sent as PDF documents by e-mail to
Martina Bernhard at the application email address below.

Application Deadline:  
Mailing Address for Applications: 
	Martina Bernhard 

Email Address for Applications: Martina.Bernhard@mpi.nl 
Contact Information:
	Martina Bernhard 
	Email: Martina.Bernhard@mpi.nl