fellowship in linguistics at MPI-EVA Leipzig

[Martin Haspelmath]

Doctoral fellowship in linguistics
Postdoctoral fellowship in linguistics

The Department of Linguistics of the Max Planck Institute for 
Evolutionary Anthropology (Leipzig) seeks candidates for a two-year 
doctoral fellowship in linguistics (with the possibility of two 6-month 
extensions) and/or a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in linguistics 
(also with the possibility of two 6-month extensions). The candidates 
should be able to make contributions to the department's areas of research.

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology studies human 
diversity and human origins in a multidisciplinary perspective. The 
contribution of linguistics to this goal lies in the study of the 
history and prehistory of languages (and peoples) around the world 
(especially non-European languages), as well as the current diversity of 
human languages (linguistic fieldwork on little-described and endangered 
languages and language typology). The Department of Linguistics 
collaborates with the Department of Evolutionary Genetics and the Junior 
research Group on Comparative Population Linguistics to compare the 
evidence from linguistics and genetics for the prehistory of human 
populations. The largest recent and current collaborative projects of 
the Department of Linguistics are the World Atlas of Language Structures 
(http://wals.info/) and Loanword Typology. More information on these and 
other projects is available on the institute's website (see below).

Doctoral fellows should already have an MA in Linguistics or an 
equivalent qualification, and be either registered or qualified to 
register in a recognized doctoral program at a university or equivalent 
degree-awarding institution. Doctoral fellows have the possibility of 
obtaining their doctoral degree through the University of Leipzig 
(http:/www.uni-leipzig.de).

Postdoctoral fellows are expected to come with a flexible research 
agenda that fits into the department's current foci. They should be 
ready to contribute to collaborative projects, and they will have the 
opportunity to propose collaborative projects themselves.

Regular participation in the department's talks, seminars and workshops 
is expected. Except for approved absences (e.g. fieldwork, conferences, 
vacation), the place of work is Leipzig. The fellowships are available 
from 01 October 2008, but a later starting date may be negotiated. 
Postdoctoral fellows must have their PhD in hand before the starting date.

There are no teaching obligations, but the opportunity for teaching in 
the linguistics program of the University of Leipzig exists.

Good knowledge of English is required.

Applicants are requested to send a C.V., statement of research 
interests, two letters of recommendation, and a sample of written work 
on a relevant topic to:

Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Personnel Administration
Prof. Dr. Bernard Comrie - Doctoral/Postdoctoral fellow position
Deutscher Platz 6
D-04103 Leipzig, Germany

or by e-mail to: comrie at eva.mpg.de (in which case supplementary 
materials available only in hard copy should be sent ot the above 
mailing address).

e-mail:   comrie at eva.mpg.de
fax: +49 341 35 50 333
institute web site: http://www.eva.mpg.de

Deadline for receipt of applications: 17 May 2008