36.3535, Jobs: Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Phonology, Typology: 4-year PostDoc Position in the Project "Morpho-Syntactic Strata of Tone", DFG Research Unit "Cyclic Optimization", Leipzig University

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-36-3535. Wed Nov 19 2025. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 36.3535, Jobs: Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Phonology, Typology: 4-year PostDoc Position in the Project "Morpho-Syntactic Strata of Tone", DFG Research Unit "Cyclic Optimization", Leipzig University

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Date: 19-Nov-2025
From: Eva Zimmermann [Eva.Zimmermann at uni-leipzig.de]
Subject: Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Phonology, Typology: 4-year PostDoc Position in the Project "Morpho-Syntactic Strata of Tone", DFG Research Unit "Cyclic Optimization", Leipzig University


Job Location: Germany
Job Title: 4-year PostDoc Position in the Project "Morpho-Syntactic
Strata of Tone", DFG Research Unit "Cyclic Optimization"
Job Rank: Post Doc
Salary: 100% of the German TVL-13 pay scale

Specialty Areas: Linguistic Theories; Morphology; Phonology; 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 Post-Doc position
announced here is part of the subproject ‚Morpho-syntactic strata of
tone’ (PIs: Eva Zimmermann and Jochen Trommer). The subproject
investigates tonal morpho-phonology and develops the novel theory of
„Harmonic Layer Theory“ which combines a stratal architecture of the
morpho-phonology interface with the recently developed theory of
Gradient Symbolic Representations. 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.
Check the website of the Research Unit
(https://www.philol.uni-leipzig.de/institut-fuer-linguistik/forschung/fg-zyklische-optimierung)
for more information on the overall project, additional job
announcements and details on the morpho-syntactic strata of tone
project.
Tasks:
- Empirical investigation of tonal morpho-phonology, especially:
interstratal differences, innerstratal cycles, and processes
restricted by phrasal prosody
- Extending an existing empirical database on interstratal differences
- Development of analyses in Harmonic Layer Theory
- Comparing the formal predictions of Harmonic Layer Theory and
alternatives like stratal OT
Qualification:
- PhD degree in linguistics or related fields
- Expertise in morphology and phonology
- 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, 100% 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 as one pdf to
Eva.Zimmermann 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
Email Address for Applications: Eva.Zimmermann at uni-leipzig.de
Web Address for Applications:
https://www.philol.uni-leipzig.de/institut-fuer-linguistik/forschung/fg-zyklische-optimierung
Contact Information:
        Eva Zimmermann
        Email: Eva.Zimmermann at uni-leipzig.de



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