[Lingtyp] PhD Position in Evolutionary Semantics

[Lena Zipp]

The ISLE Institute, University of Zurich, invites applications for two PhD positions in a project investigating the evolution of abstract concepts in diverse languages.
The project is situated in the Anthropological Linguistics Group<https://www.isle.uzh.ch/en/AnthroL.html> at ISLE, and will also be connected with a much broader research consortium, the NCCR Evolving Language<http://www.evolvinglanguage.ch/>.

Your responsibilities
Each of the PhDs will develop a regional case study, and write a thesis consisting of three journal articles to be completed within four years. All articles will be written together with your supervisors and other coauthors, potentially including collaborators from other disciplines such as anthropology or archaeology. You will design and implement a research method that contributes to the overall goals of the funded project. The project has a particular focus on the Australian, Papuan and Pacific regions, though other regions may also be considered if clearly motivated.

Your profile
You have a background in linguistics (especially semantics and typology), cognitive psychology, anthropology or archaeology, with a Master’s degree on a related topic. Skills in data science (e.g. R, Python, statistics) would also be beneficial. Candidates who lack data science skills are expected to have strong motivation to learn at the beginning of the PhD project. We greatly value team science, and you are expected to have excellent communication and collaboration skills.

What we offer
You will be integrated into a multidisciplinary institute with a strong focus on innovative methods in the language sciences. Your project will be highly collaborative and include exceptional opportunities for learning new research skills. Your dissertation work will be supervised by Professor John Mansfield and co-supervisors.

Start of employment
1 May 2026 (or later by arrangement)

Further information
Review of applications will begin from 26 January 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
For further information about the project and in order to apply, please visit https://www.isle.uzh.ch/en/jobs/phd-evolutionary-semantics.html


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