Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (ISLE)
PhD in Evolutionary Semantics 80 %
Start of employment 01.05.2026 (or later by arrangement), temporaryThe ISLE Institute invites applications for two PhD positions in a project investigating the evolution of abstract concepts in diverse languages. A brief statement of project goals can be found in this funding announcement.
The project is situated in the Anthropological Linguistics Group at ISLE, and will also be connected with a much broader research consortium, the NCCR Evolving Language.
Your responsibilities
Each of the PhDs will develop a regional case study, and write a thesis consisting of three journal articles to be completed within four years. All articles will be written together with your supervisors and other coauthors, potentially including collaborators from other disciplines such as anthropology or archaeology. You will design and implement a research method that contributes to the overall goals of the funded project. The project has a particular focus on the Australian, Papuan and Pacific regions, though other regions may also be considered if clearly motivated
You will be integrated into a multidisciplinary institute with a strong focus on innovative methods in the language sciences. Your project will be highly collaborative and include exceptional opportunities for learning new research skills. Your dissertation work will be supervised by Professor John Mansfield and co-supervisors.
Employment is at 80% FTE and includes within this about 10% teaching assistant tasks. The position is a training opportunity and you are expected to use the remaining unpaid 20% for your own further training and skill development. The salary is internationally competitive and follows standards set by the Swiss National Science Foundation, see Salary ranges, guidelines for employees in SNSF-funded projects (PDF).
The position is offered as a one-year contract, renewable for up to four years based on performance.
You will be integrated into a multidisciplinary institute with a strong focus on innovative methods in the language sciences. Your project will be highly collaborative and include exceptional opportunities for learning new research skills. Your dissertation work will be supervised by Professor John Mansfield and co-supervisors.
Employment is at 80% FTE and includes within this about 10% teaching assistant tasks. The position is a training opportunity and you are expected to use the remaining unpaid 20% for your own further training and skill development. The salary is internationally competitive and follows standards set by the Swiss National Science Foundation, see Salary ranges, guidelines for employees in SNSF-funded projects (PDF).
The position is offered as a one-year contract, renewable for up to four years based on performance.
Your profile
You have a background in linguistics (especially semantics and typology), cognitive psychology, anthropology or archaeology, with a Master's degree on a related topic. Skills in data science (e.g. R, Python, statistics) would also be beneficial. Candidates who lack data science skills are expected to have strong motivation to learn at the beginning of the PhD project. We greatly value team science, and you are expected to have excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Information on your application
Review of applications will begin from 26 January 2026 and continue until the position is filled.To apply, please prepare the following documents as a single PDF:
- A cover letter (ca. 1 page) describing your previous experience and research interests, with a motivation to apply for the present position
- A CV with a list of course work and grades
- One or two short writing samples/publications that demonstrate your qualifications for the position
For further information about the project, please contact John Mansfield. For administrative questions, please contact Lena Zipp.
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Prof. Dr. John Mansfield Project Leader
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Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
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Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html
Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
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