[Lingtyp] Research Assistantship, discourse reporting

[Tatiana Nikitina]

Applications are invited for a position of research assistant in the
ERC-funded project “Discourse reporting in African storytelling” (PI:
Tatiana Nikitina). The assistant is expected to collect and analyze
data in one or more languages that are of interest to the project,
develop an annotated corpus of narrative texts, and possibly conduct
their own fieldwork to explore various aspects of discourse reporting
in the language(s) in question. Candidates who have recently received
an MA degree or are currently in their last year of an MA program are
especially encouraged to apply, with the view of developing a project
that will lead them to pursue a PhD degree. Preference will be given
to candidates who are able to demonstrate serious interest in
developing a proposal for a PhD thesis.

The position is funded by a grant from the European Research Council
(ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation
programme (grant agreement No 758232). It focuses on different aspects
of the grammar of speech reporting constructions and their use in
narrative discourse. We are especially interested in African languages
as well as Turkic languages spoken in Russia. You can read more about
the project here:
https://sites.google.com/view/speechreporting/about-the-project . The
researcher will be affiliated with LLACAN, a vibrant community of
experts in African languages and linguistics. LLACAN is conveniently
located in the southern suburbs of Paris (reachable by metro and other
public transport). Further information about the department can be
found at http://llacan.vjf.cnrs.fr/index_en.php .

The position is for two years, renewable upon budgetary approval. The
salary is between 1600 and 1750 euros per month depending on
experience and qualifications; standard social benefits are included.
We also provide funding for fieldwork and conference travel, shared
office space and technical support.

Requirements:
·        an MA degree in Linguistics or Anthropology (or expect to
have successfully defended prior to joining the project);
·        fluent English and at least minimal knowledge of French (or
willingness to learn French);
·        ability and willingness to work in a team;
·        willingness to pursue a PhD degree with a project-related
topic (strongly preferred);
·        previous fieldwork experience and willingness to conduct own
fieldwork (strongly preferred);
·        previous experience with ELAN/Toolbox and Praat and/or
computational skills (strongly preferred).

Applicants should submit a single .pdf file containing the following items:
·        a cover letter;
·        a curriculum vitae;
·        a research proposal on any aspect of speech reporting related
to the project (see the project description
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UbgUf5WYm0sCAoC8FOJU2r_ApaBnHlGn/view
);
·        up to two publication samples or recent drafts (including the
MA thesis if already available);
·        the names of three referees who are familiar with the
applicant’s research and willing to provide a confidential reference
letter upon request;
·        an MA transcript or a statement on courses taken.

The review of applications will begin on December 9, 2018. The
position’s starting date is negotiable.

Email address for applications:
tatiana.nikitina at cnrs.fr
(please include “RA search” in the subject line)

Contact information:
Tatiana Nikitina, tavnik at gmail.com