The Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (ISLE)
Postdoctoral Researchers (2) in Cognitive Anthropology, Archaeology and Linguistics 80 %
Start of employment 1 September 2026 or by arrangement, temporaryThe Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (University of Zurich) invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in Cognitive Anthropology, Cognitive Archaeology or Comparative Linguistics.
Your responsibilities
The positions will contribute to an interdisciplinary project investigating the history of abstract concepts in the cultures of Australia and Papua, as described in this 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.
These are 80% FTE positions, which include 20% teaching. The positions are offered as a one-year contract, with a potential extension by agreement to up to three years total.
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.
These are 80% FTE positions, which include 20% teaching. The positions are offered as a one-year contract, with a potential extension by agreement to up to three years total.
Your profile
You have a solid background, including PhD and journal publications, in a relevant discipline such as anthropology, archaeology, or linguistics. You have a demonstrated interest in culturally specific cognition, semantics and cultural history. You also have strong data science skills, likely including Bayesian statistics. Phylogenetic inference, and phylogeographic reconstruction will be important for at least one of the two positions.
You will be joining a team of outstanding researchers, emphasising teamwork and interdisciplinarity. Excellent communication and teamwork are essential. Good oral and written communication in English is required.
You will be joining a team of outstanding researchers, emphasising teamwork and interdisciplinarity. Excellent communication and teamwork are essential. Good oral and written communication in English is required.
Information on your application
Review of applications will begin on 6 April, and continue until the position is filled.To apply, please prepare the following documents:
- A cover letter (1-2 pages) describing your previous experience and research interests, with a motivation to apply for the present position (PDF upload)
- A CV, including a publication list (PDF upload)
- Contact information (name, position, and e-mail addresses) of two references
- One or two writing samples/publications that demonstrate your qualifications for the position (PDF upload)
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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!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html
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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