[HPSG-L] PhD position in Formal Semantics

[Yoad Winter]

PhD position in Formal Semantics (1.0 FTE)

Deadline: 17 June 2018

Job description
The Utrecht Institute of Linguistics (UiL OTS) invites applications for 
a PhD position in the area of formal semantics. This project will 
develop a theory of spatial and reciprocal expressions across languages. 
Starting from current theories of spatial meanings and reciprocal 
expressions (Zwarts & Winter 2000, Poortman et al. 2018, Winter 2018), 
the project will extensively compare meanings of these expressions in 
different languages. These data will be employed for developing a new 
formal semantic theory of spatial and reciprocal expressions across 
languages.
The project will be supervised by Dr. Joost Zwarts and Prof. Yoad 
Winter, in collaboration with Dr. Eva Poortman (UiL OTS) and Prof. James 
Hampton (Psychology, City, University of London). Work at the UiL OTS 
will be part of the ROCKY project, financed by an ERC Advanced grant to 
Prof. Yoad Winter.

References
E.B. Poortman et al. 2018. Reciprocal expressions and the Maximal 
Typicality Hypothesis. Glossa, 3:18, 1–30.
Y. Winter 2018. Symmetric Predicates and the Semantics of Reciprocal 
Alternations. Semantics and Pragmatics, 11.
Zwarts, J. and Winter, Y., 2000. Vector space semantics: A 
model-theoretic analysis of locative prepositions. Journal of logic, 
language and information, 9(2), 169-211.


Qualifications
The successful applicant for this position should have a strong 
background in formal semantics and linguistic theory. Applicants should 
ideally hold, or be about to complete, an excellent Master's degree in 
Formal Semantics. Excellent candidates with a research thesis in logic, 
mathematics, artificial intelligence, and/or computer science will also 
be considered, in case they can demonstrate active interest in 
theoretical linguistics. Good communication skills, proficiency in 
spoken and written English, as well as a keen interest in problem 
solving and research are essential.


Application details and additional information
Look up the job ad at:
https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/working-at-utrecht-university/jobs
For more information, please contact the Project Director (Yoad Winter) 
or the Research Coordinator at UiL OTS (Maaike Schoorlemmer).


Apply online through:
https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/working-at-utrecht-university/jobs

The application deadline is
17/06/2018

Interviews will be held during the week starting June 25, 2018.