Two PhD Positions Utrecht Institute of Linguistics, Netherlands

October 10, 2008

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Utrecht Institute of Linguistics OTS is now offering

1 PhD position in formal semantics (1,0 fte)
1 PhD position in formal semantics/pragmatics (1,0 fte)

Programme.

These two PhD positions are part of a five-year research programme funded by The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research NWO. The programme, supervised by Dr. Rick Nouwen, investigates gradability in natural language. The main goal of the project is to broaden the perspective on gradability by investigating degree phenomena that lack the use of specialised degree vocabulary. There are three main research questions:
(i) what are the semantic structures underlying gradability?; (ii) what are the pragmatic mechanisms that play a role in the expression of degree?; (iii) what is the relation between degree, vagueness and context-dependence?

Job description

The current opening is for

PhD project 1 The role of scales in a broader view on gradability (vacancy number 68853; preferable starting date 1-1-2009):

This project focuses on the role of scales in gradable expressions. It is known that the scale structure involved in the semantics of adjectives determines the ways in which they are degree-modifiable. This project investigates cases of degree modification of which the underlying structures are unknown (like degree-modified nouns, determiners, etc.) and seeks to develop a comprehensive theory of scalar aspects of degree.

PhD project 2 Degree modification without predicate modification (vacancy number 68854; preferable starting date 1-1-2009):

This project focuses on the role of emotion and attitude markers on degree. Exclamatives (“What a tall man!”), expressives (“wow”, “damned”),
and evaluatives (“amazingly”) can all manipulate degree. This project intends to discover how to properly characterise the interaction between gradable predicates and such markers.

A full description of the projects is available at http://www.let.uu.nl/~Rick.Nouwen/personal/vidi.html

Goal
The PhD projects involve training in research and completion of a PhD dissertation. As part of her/his training, the PhD student will take courses offered by the National Graduate School in Linguistics (LOT).

Required qualifications
We are looking for an ambitious student who is willing and able to work in a closely collaborating team. The candidate must have an MA degree in hand by the starting date. Specific requirements for the individual projects are given below:

Project 1/68853
An MA degree in linguistics or cognitive science. Knowledge of formal semantic models is an advantage.

Project 2/68854
An MA degree in linguistics or theoretical philosophy. Knowledge of formal pragmatics is an advantage.
Information
For further information, please contact the project supervisor at the UiL OTS, dr. Rick Nouwen, telephone +31-30-2536076,
e-mail Rick.Nouwen at let.uu.nl, or the UiL-OTS PhD coordinator dr. Maaike Schoorlemmer, telephone +31-30-2536183,
e-mail Maaike.Schoorlemmer at let.uu.nl. You might also like to consult our institute’s website: http://www-uilots.let.uu.nl/.
Work conditions
The successful candidate is offered a one-year employment contract as AiO (“Assistant in Opleiding” — research trainee) with the possibility of renewal with three years maximum, after evaluation. The AiO will receive a gross monthly salary of €2000 during the first year (1.0 FTE). The AiO will be offered the opportunity to participate in the “Academic Professionalism” scheme, which involves coaching and courses in general skills. We also offer a pension scheme, a holiday allowance of 8% per year and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities.

UIL-OTS features a stimulating, innovative, and internationally oriented research environment which offers opportunities for a broad professional development. Courses are offered by internationally renowned experts, while possibilities for conference visits are plentiful. We offer excellent experimental facilities and computational support.
How to apply?

Applications should include

* a letter of motivation
* a curriculum vitae including contact and personal details
* transcripts of academic results
* an MA thesis or (if the thesis is not available yet) some alternative piece of
written work
* the contact details of two referees (names, affiliations and phone numbers or
e-mail addresses).
* preferably: two reference letters
E-mail applications in pdf or doc format should be sent to Humanitiesjobs at let.uu.nl, and should specify the applicant’s name and the vacancy number (68853 and/or 68854) in the topic as well as the message text. Please also include a list of attachments in the message, and specify your name in the filename and text of each attachment. E-mail applications have our preference.

Hard copy applications (or partial applications) should be sent to the Personnel Department, attn. Ms Ingrid Wagenaar, Kromme Nieuwegracht 46, 3512 HJ Utrecht, The Netherlands. Please refer to the vacancy number ((68853 and/or 68854) as well as to the website where you found this advertisement.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 3 November, 2008.

Interviews are planned during the week starting Monday, November 24, 2008.

Scholarship Tags: Institute, Linguistics, Netherlands, PhD, positions, Two, Utrecht