[Lingtyp] Postdoc position (2 years) on nominal classification

[Marc Allassonnière-Tang]

Dear colleagues,

The research lab Dynamics of Language (Lyon, France) is hiring for a 
2-year postdoc position. The main theme is quantitative methods on the 
evolution of nominal classification. Details are as follows.

- General information
Contract Period : 24 months
Expected date of employment : 1 February 2021
Proportion of work : Full time
Remuneration : gross salary between 2648 euros and 2877 euros (depends 
on experience)
Desired level of education : PhD


- Missions
The position is part of the project : The role of linguistic and 
non-linguistic factors in the evolution of nominal classification 
systems, headed by Marc Allassonnière-Tang (partners : Dan Dediu and 
François Pellegrino) and funded by an ANR JCJC Grant from the French 
National Research Agency. The project aims at developing an improved 
understanding of which linguistic and/or non-linguistic factors 
disfavor/favor the development of nominal classification systems (such 
as the masculine/feminine distinction in French or the classifiers in 
Mandarin), and how these factors interact with each other. A variety of 
quantitative approaches will be used, ranging from genetics to computer 
modeling and from experimental manipulations to the analysis of large 
cross-linguistic databases.

The main task of the postdoctoral researcher will be to 1) compile from 
existing sources the database of the analyzed factors 2) conduct 
quantitative analyses with the content of the database. New sub-topics 
of research can also be suggested by the postdoctoral researcher.

- Websites:
Lab DDL: http://www.ddl.cnrs.fr/
Research team DiLiS: 
http://www.ddl.cnrs.fr/equipes/index.asp?Langue=FR&Equipe=12&Page=Presentation
Arrive at Lyon: 
https://espace-ulys.universite-lyon.fr/ulys/version-anglaise/

For more information, please contact:
Marc Allassonnière-Tang (PI): marc.tang at univ-lyon2.fr

- Activities
The postdoctoral researcher will join the DiLis (Linguistic Diversity 
and its Sources) team of the lab. S/he will be encouraged to participate 
in activities organized by the lab, such as meetings, seminars, 
workshops. The output of research will also be presented in 
international conferences and published in international journals. The 
project will cover costs related to equipment, conference travels, and 
publications.

- Skills
We are looking for a candidate with a good knowledge (PhD) of one (or 
several) of the following topics : linguistics ; cognitive science, 
phylogenetics, and/or quantitative methods. Linguistic typology, 
phylogenetics, and/or statistics are a plus. The profile of the ideal 
candidate is also based around open-mindedness and cross-disciplinarity.

- Work Context
The workplace will be at the lab Dynamics of Language, which is located 
at the Maison des Sciences de l'Homme Lyon Saint-Etienne in Lyon, 
France. A good command of French is a plus, but English is frequently 
used for scientific meetings and seminars.

- Additional Information
For those seeking this Postdoctoral position, please submit :
• a one-page (max) letter of intention
• a detailed CV
• a complete list of publications
• a one-page summary of your PhD thesis (and, if possible, a link to the 
full text of the thesis)
• the contact details (email) of two potential referees (please also 
briefly explain why they have been selected as your referees)

The list of publications, the thesis summary, and the contact details of 
referees can be merged in the same file as the CV.

The starting day can be discussed, but should not be later than the 1st 
of April 2021.

Important note : The submissions must be sent through the online 
platform of the CNRS 
(https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR5596-MARALL-001/Default.aspx?lang=EN) 
. No submissions by direct mail contact will be accepted.