36.3505, Support: Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Syntax, Typology: PhD Position in the Project "The Clash of Negation and Imperatives", Leipzig University

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LINGUIST List: Vol-36-3505. Tue Nov 18 2025. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 36.3505, Support: Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Syntax, Typology: PhD Position in the Project "The Clash of Negation and Imperatives", Leipzig University

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Date: 17-Nov-2025
From: Paula Fenger [paula.fenger at uni-leipzig.de]
Subject: Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Syntax, Typology: PhD Position in the Project "The Clash of Negation and Imperatives", Leipzig University


Institution/Organization: Leipzig University

Level: PhD

Duties: Research

Specialty Areas: Linguistic Theories; Morphology; Syntax; Typology

Description:

The DFG Research Unit ‘Cyclic Optimization’, starting its second phase
on March 1 2026 with 13 new research positions, explores the
interaction of cyclicity and optimization in all areas of grammar:
phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. The two PhD positions
announced here are  part of the subproject ‘The Clash of Negation and
Imperatives through the Lense of Cyclic Optimization’ (PI: Paula
Fenger). The subproject investigates the morphosyntactic variation
across imperatives and prohibitives by building a systematic
typological database, and by modeling the (un)attested patterns in
approaches using cyclic optimization theories. This will happen in
close cooperation with the other subprojects of the Research Unit and
also comprise a rotation project, where project employees will
investigate research questions at the interfaces of the different
subprojects in 2-month internships under the supervision of other
sub-projects. We actively encourage dissertations of project employees
related to the project topics. An ideal background for dissertation
projects is also provided by the Leipzig linguistic graduate program
and its structured course program, which welcomes PhD students of the
Research Unit.
Check the website of the Research Unit
(https://www.philol.uni-leipzig.de/cyclops) for more information on
the overall project, additional job announcements and details on The
Clash of Negation and Imperatives project.
Tasks:
- Formal modeling of morpho-syntactic repair strategies related to
prohibitives and imperatives
- Empirical investigation of data on topics related to imperatives and
prohibitives
Qualifications:
- Master degree in linguistics or related fields
- Expertise in syntax and morphology
- Ability to work with data from unfamiliar languages
- Interest in theoretical analyses
Salary:
The position is fully funded, i.e., comfortably covers your living
expenses in Leipzig, including social security, health insurance, and
other benefits. The specific salary follows the pay scale of the
German public service system (Research Associate position, 65% of the
German TVL-13 pay scale).
Please send your application (German or English) including a CV, a
statement of motivation, and two work samples (e.g. MA thesis or term
paper) as one pdf to paula.fenger at uni-leipzig.de  until December 15,
2025.
Two letters of recommendation should be sent to this address directly
from the referees. We also encourage multiple applications to
different positions of the Research Unit on Cyclic Optimization.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

Application Deadline: 15-Dec-2025

Mailing Address for Applications:
        Germany
Email Address for Applications: paula.fenger at uni-leipzig.de

Contact Information:
Paula Fenger



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