2 PhD positions in formal/experimental semantics/pragmatics and/or language evolution

Applications are invited for up to two paid PhD positions at the interfaces between theoretical linguistics, cognitive science, computational linguistics, and philosophy of language. The positions belong to a newly established independent junior research group "Data-oriented modeling of language games: Language processing, change & evolution" at the University of Tübingen, led by Michael Franke. The principal activity of the applicants will be to pursue a PhD research project on a topic of relevance to the research group, and to foster the group's local, national and international cooperation with like-minded researchers.

Applicants should have a strong interest in the study of language and a solid background in a relevant field with a documented expertise in at least one, ideally several of the following:

• - formal semantics / pragmatics
• - experimental semantics / pragmatics
• - computational cognitive modeling of language processing (e.g., Bayesian / probabilistic modeling)
• - language evolution / historical linguistics
• - evolutionary modeling (e.g., evolutionary game theory, multi-agent systems)

The positions are limited to a term of 3 years, starting July 1, 2014 or soon after. Payment is offered according to TV-L (Tarifvertrag für den Öffentlichen Dienst der Länder) and includes all usual supplementary services. Candidates will be officially employed by the administration of the University of Tübingen. As the University of Tübingen intends to increase the proportion of female employees in science, women are particularly encouraged to apply. In case of equal qualification and experience physically challenged applicants are given preference.

Applications should include CV, an outline of research experience and academic interests (no more than 2 pages), as well as names and addresses of up to three references and a short writing sample. Applications should be sent by email to the address below. Applications received by April 1, 2014 will receive full consideration, although interviews may start at any time and will continue until the position has been filled.

Disabled applicants will be preferred if they have the same qualifications as non-disabled applicants. The University of Tübingen strives to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching, and therefore encourages qualified female scientists to apply.

For further information please contact: mchfranke at gmail.com.