36.3635, Support: Linguistic Theories, Syntax: 2 PhD Positions in the Project "A Cyclic Optimization Approach to the A/A-bar Distinction in Syntax", Leipzig University

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-36-3635. Tue Nov 25 2025. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 36.3635, Support: Linguistic Theories, Syntax: 2 PhD Positions in the Project "A Cyclic Optimization Approach to the A/A-bar Distinction in Syntax", Leipzig University

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Date: 24-Nov-2025
From: Gereon Mueller [gereon.mueller at uni-leipzig.de]
Subject: Linguistic Theories, Syntax: PhD, Leipzig University


Institution/Organization: Leipzig University
Web Address: https://www.philol.uni-leipzig.de/cyclops

Level: PhD

Duties: Research

Specialty Areas: Linguistic Theories; Syntax

Description:

Two 4-year PhD positions in the project `A Cyclic Optimization
Approach to the A/A-bar Distinction in Syntax' as part of the DFG
Research Unit `Cyclic Optimization'
Starting date: March 1, 2026
Salary: Fully Funded Positions
Deadline: December 15, 2025
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 positions announced
here are part of the subproject `A Cyclic Optimization Approach to the
A/A-bar Distinction in Syntax' (PI: Gereon Mueller). As an alternative
to existing approaches based on composite probes or shells, the
subproject pursues a new approach in terms of derivational timing
according to which the A/A-bar distinction reduces to the question
whether c-command is possible or not at the relevant stage of the
derivation; and it tries to determine whether both categorical and
mixed behaviour of movement types in a variety of languages can thus
be accounted for by relying on restrictive concepts of cyclicity and
optimization. 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
present subproject.
Tasks:
-- Empirical investigation of the interaction of movement types and
interacting processes in different languages
-- Formal modeling of the results
Qualification:
-- Master degree in linguistics or related fields
-- Expertise in syntax
-- Interest in theoretical analyses
-- Ability to work with data from unfamiliar languages
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 gereon.mueller 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.
Applications Deadline: 15-Dec-2025

Application Deadline: 15-Dec-2025

Mailing Address for Applications:
        Gereon Mueller
        Institut fuer Linguistik
        Universitaet Leipzig
        Beethovenstr. 15
        Leipzig 04107
        Germany
        Germany
Web Address for Applications:
https://www.philol.uni-leipzig.de/cyclops
Email Address for Applications: gereon.mueller at uni-leipzig.de

Contact Information:
Gereon Mueller



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