borsa dottorato language in interaction (Lavoro all'estero)

Inviato da Olanda, martedì, dicembre 16, 2014, 11:09 (3640 giorni fa)

Responsibilities

The NWO Gravitation consortium 'Language in Interaction' invites applications for a PhD position on "Processing Vague Expressions: The Interplay between Semantics, Pragmatics and Cognition".

A vague term like 'big' can be easily used and processed when there is a clear gap between bigger and smaller objects. We will test the hypothesis that a gap in distribution is the default criterion used in the processing of vague words in classificatory tasks, but that other criteria might also come into play. We will also test whether a similar default exists for the processing of quantity expressions such as 'most' (use the approximate number system if there is a gap, and precise counting otherwise). The ultimate goal is a unified theory of the processing of vague expressions.
Work environment

The Netherlands has an outstanding track record in the language sciences. The research consortium 'Language in Interaction', sponsored by a large grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific research (NWO) brings together many of the excellent research groups in the Netherlands with a research programme on the foundations of language. The consortium includes representatives from seven universities and one research institute in the Netherlands. These are: Radboud University (RU), University of Amsterdam (UvA), University of Maastricht (UM), Leiden University (LU), Utrecht University (UU), Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), Tilburg University (TiU), and the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics (MPI). Excellence in the domain of language and related relevant fields of cognition is combined with state-of-the-art research facilities and a research team with ample experience in complex research methods and utilization. This consortium achieves both quality and critical mass for studying human language at a scale not easily found anywhere else in the world.

This project will involve collaborative work to be carried out at the Institute of Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) at the University of Amsterdam (Prof. Van Rooij) and the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour at Radboud University (Prof. H. Schriefers). The position will be embedded in the ILLC.
Both institutes conduct research in an international setting. English is the lingua franca.
What we expect from you

We are looking for a highly motivated, creative and talented PhD candidate to enrich a unique consortium of researchers that aims to unravel the neurocognitive mechanisms of language at multiple levels. The goal is to understand both the universality and the variability of the human language faculty from genes to behaviour.

The selection criteria include:
- a Master’s degree in any relevant field;
- a strong interest in language and meaning and a strong background in either experimental cognitive psychology and statistical data analysis (with preferably hands-on experience with the measurement of ERPs and analyses of ERP data) or logical semantics;
- a strong motivation;
- excellent proficiency in written and spoken English.

Applications from excellent candidates with a less than ideal profile will be equally considered.
What we have to offer

We offer you:
- employment: 1,0 fte;
- a maximum gross monthly salary of € 2,664 based on a 38-hour working week;
- in addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
- the starting salary is € 2,083 per month and will increase to € 2,664 per month in the fourth year (P scale);
- you will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years;
- you will be classified as PhD Candidate (promovendus) in the Dutch university job-ranking system (UFO);
- the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) of Dutch Universities is applicable.
- the Dutch universities and the institute involved have a number of regulations in place that enable employees to create a good work-life balance.

Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions>
Other Information

The two institutes involved are equal opportunity employers, committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and as such encourage applications from women and minorities.

Would you like to know more>
Further information on: Language in Interaction consortium
Further information on: Institute for Logic, Language and Computation
Further information on: Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour

Prof. Robert van Rooij
Telephone: +31 20 5254551
E-mail: r.a.m.vanrooij@uva.nl

Prof. Herbert Schriefers
Telephone: +31 24 3612621
E-mail: h.schriefers@donders.ru.nl