Two 3 Year Pre-Doc Positions in formal linguistics at the University of Vienna (Austria)

Applications are invited for two 36-months 75% (doctoral) research position in  the FWF sponsored research project “Unalternative-Constraints Cross-Linguistically” (Prof. Daniel Büring) at the linguistics department at University of Vienna, ideally starting as early as November 2016.

The project explores the application of a new formalism to interpret focussing, first to Germanic languages, and subsequently to non-standard IE languages, including languages with positional or morphological focus marking. A full description of the project can be found at http://homepage.univie.ac.at/daniel.buring/locker/antrag.short.pdf; more on the general formalism at http://homepage.univie.ac.at/daniel.buring/phpsite/index.php?lang=en&page=UAS.

The successful candidates must have a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Linguistics, or a related field with specialization in language research in hand by the starting date; training in formal linguistics is a must, and specialization in formal semantics and/or pragmatics is an advantage. Their past experience should furthermore include one or more of the following:
— familiarity with the formalisms of formal semantics
— experience in work with underdocumented languages
— familiarity with research on information structure 
Command of English  is required, but command of German (or Austrian) is not.

The pre-docs have the opportunity to complete a PhD in general linguistics, preferably in an area related to the research project, and will closely collaborate with Prof. Büring. The project furthermore includes the funding for attending the LSA summer school (once) during the three year project period, as well as one other 2 week stay at a research center abroad.

The linguistic department at the University of Vienna is part of  a lively and internationally well-connected research environment —including various language departments, the phonetics institute, and the Cognitive Science research platform and docoral school— where students are immediately integrated in scholarly life and research at all levels. The research unit offers PhD students the opportunity to discuss their topics with fellow students who work on similar issues.

The University of Vienna is an equal opportunity employer that tries to increase the number of women in research and teaching.

Applications should be sent electronically, with the phrase  “PhD application” in the subject line, to daniel.buring@univie.ac.at. Review of applications starts immediately and is open until October 31, 2016.

Include electronic copies (pdf) of the following documents in a single file:

- 1-2 page cover letter with statement of purpose explaining the candidate's background and his/her interest in, and fit for, the research project
- copy of highest degree certification (Master)
- short Curriculum vitae (CV)
- up to two writing samples (i.e. publications if any, term paper or Master's thesis) in English or German
- contact information of two academic recommenders