37.1362, Jobs: Pragmatics, Semantics: Post-doctoral Researcher (m/f/x), Emoji Semantics, Ruhr University Bochum

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-37-1362. Wed Apr 08 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.1362, Jobs: Pragmatics, Semantics: Post-doctoral Researcher (m/f/x), Emoji Semantics, Ruhr University Bochum

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Date: 08-Apr-2026
From: Tatjana Scheffler [tatjana.scheffler at rub.de]
Subject: Pragmatics, Semantics: Post-doctoral Researcher (m/f/x), Emoji Semantics, Ruhr University Bochum


Job Location: Bochum, Germany, Germany
Web Address:
https://staff.germanistik.rub.de/digitale-forensische-linguistik/
Job Title: Post-doctoral Researcher (m/f/x), Emoji Semantics
Job Rank: Post Doc
Salary: 100% TV-L E13

Specialty Areas: Pragmatics; Semantics

Other Specialties: Experimental Linguistics
Description:
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week
= 100%) by July 01, 2026 or at the earliest possible date, we are
looking for one
Post-doctoral researcher (m/f/x)
The project EmDiCom 2 "Decompositional Semantics of Face Emojis in
Digital Communication" will develop a formal semantics for emojis as a
prime example of visual communication within the DFG priority program
ViCom ("Visual Communication. Theoretical, Empirical, and Applied
Perspectives"). The project is led by co-PIs Prof. Dr. Tatjana
Scheffler (Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany) and Prof. Dr. Patrick
Grosz (University of Oslo, Norway). The project plans to investigate
emojis from a formal semantics perspective informed by experimental
data.
Our research primarily concentrates on the semantics of face emojis,
and builds on the hypothesis that face emojis have partly
conventionalized (symbolic) meaning, but also incorporate iconic
meaning due to their resemblance to human faces, which they are meant
to depict. We aim to delineate the formal semantic denotation of face
emojis, and whether it can be decomposed into smaller meaning
components. Second, we aim to empirically establish the semantic type
of expressive face emojis, i.e., whether or not they serve as
functions, taking a propositional argument that they comment on.
Your Tasks:
- Independent research on the semantics and pragmatics of emojis in
the reseearch project "Decompositional Semantics of Face Emojis in
Digital Communication (EmDiCom 2)".
- Participation in the interdisciplinary DFG priority program "Visual
Communication" (e.g., participation in network meetings and short-term
collaborations)
- Planning and conducting linguistic online experiments (acceptability
studies, reading time measurements)
- Collaboration on publications and presentations at international
conferences
- Supervision of research assistants
- Organization of scientific events (workshops)
Your Profile:
- An above-average linguistics PhD is required
- Background in theoretical linguistics, preferably formal
semantics/pragmatics
- Demonstrated experience in experimental linguistics and statistical
methods
- Knowledge of tools for creating and conducting online experiments is
an advantage
- Interest in visual communication (e.g., gestures, facial
expressions, emojis, Sign Language)
- Excellent English skills
We Offer:
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high degree of personal
responsibility
- Exciting research on a current topic
- International cooperation with the "Super Linguistics" group at the
University of Oslo and within the "Visual Communication" DFG priority
program
- A friendly and enthusiastic team at the interface of formal,
digital, and computational linguistics
- The opportunity to join one of the largest universities in Germany,
part of the University Alliance Ruhr
- Professional development, mentoring, and training
Further Information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the
Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements
are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/
(in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
Interviews are expected to take place via Zoom in April and May 2026.
Applicants should submit (1) a brief cover letter explaining their
interest in the position, (2) a full CV including a list of
publications, (3) two examples of their work, and (4) the names and
email addresses of two potential referees, all as a single PDF
document via the application portal.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The
campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of
the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a
prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center
(ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF).
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection
interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its
participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr at rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research
universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A
highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across
the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To
create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is
Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal
opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment
composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of
individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional
areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications
from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be
given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male
candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most
welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Tatjana Scheffler +49 234 32 21471
Prof. Dr. Patrick Grosz
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other
application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be
reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online
application portal by 2026-04-28. Please make sure to mention the
reference number ANR 5610.

Application Deadline: 28-Apr-2026
Web Address for Applications:
https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/f5001c40d914e7ce325557bfe526aa88415f75bb0
Contact Information:
        Tatjana Scheffler
        Email: tatjana.scheffler at rub.de



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