37.2608, Support: German; Computational Linguistics, Forensic Linguistics, General Linguistics, Pragmatics, Text/Corpus Linguistics: PhD, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-37-2608. Fri Aug 07 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.2608, Support: German; Computational Linguistics, Forensic Linguistics, General Linguistics, Pragmatics, Text/Corpus Linguistics: PhD, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany

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Date: 03-Aug-2026
From: Tatjana Scheffler [tatjana.scheffler at rub.de]
Subject: German; Computational Linguistics, Forensic Linguistics, General Linguistics, Pragmatics, Text/Corpus Linguistics: PhD, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany


Institution/Organization: Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
Web Address:
https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/870a96abc9c1d265d30d96c359a15f0d1c02b97c0

Level: PhD

Duties: Teaching

Specialty Areas: Computational Linguistics; Forensic Linguistics;
General Linguistics; Pragmatics; Text/Corpus Linguistics
Required Language(s): German (deu)

Description:

We are looking for a PhD Candidate (65%, m/f/x) in Digital Forensic
Linguistics
The position is located in the group headed by Prof. Dr. Tatjana
Scheffler (Digital Forensic Linguistics) in the Institute for German
Studies. The research focus of the group is the theoretical and
computational analysis of human language in digital media, in
particular computational approaches to forensic linguistics. Research
topics of the group include disinformation, hate speech, and automatic
approaches to digital authorship, among others. The position includes
a small teaching requirement (approximately 1 class per semester),
which will be carried out in the undergraduate and graduate programs
in German linguistics.
This position is meant to lead to further qualification of the holder
in the form of a Ph.D. degree. Work on the Ph.D. thesis is considered
part of the tasks in this position and should center around a project
in the newly established field of digital forensic linguistics.
Your tasks:
- Investigating new computational linguistic methods of analyzing,
detecting and combating harmful online language (disinformation, hate
speech, or other digital forensic applications)
- Contributing to the development of the emerging research field
Digital Forensic Linguistics
- Creation of annotated corpora and datasets
- Collaboration in an interdisciplinary team
- Preparing research results for publication in leading venues
(conferences and journals)
- Teaching (1 class per semester) in the field of German linguistics
(preferably in German)
- Supervising student research assistants (m/f/x)
Your profile:
- Very good Master's degree in computational linguistics or a related
subject
- Knowledge of and ideally practical experience with natural language
processing (NLP), including machine learning methods (statistical
methods, deep learning, LLMs)
- Solid programming skills (e.g., Python)
- Excellent language skills (reading and writing) in English; German
skills preferred
- Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following fields
would be beneficial: forensic linguistics, corpus linguistics,
analysis of social media data, psycholinguistic experiments, visual
communication
- Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary research
We offer:
- An interdisciplinary team including colleagues from computational
linguistics, linguistics, and computer science
- The opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. with strong support
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
- Professional development, mentoring, and training
- The opportunity to join one of the largest universities in Germany,
embedded in the University Alliance Ruhr
Your application should include the following documents: (1) Cover
letter, including your motivation for the position, (2) current CV,
(3) transcript of records for the Bachelor's and Master's degree, (4)
sample of your academic writing, e.g. (chapter from) Master's thesis,
and (5) names and email addresses of two references. We would prefer
that CVs do not include a personal photo. Your cover letter and CV
should be written by you and clearly demonstrate the ways in which you
match the requested profile. Please submit your application via the
online form. Interviews are planned to take place in August 2026 via
video conference (Zoom).
We look forward to receiving your application via our online
application portal by 2026-08-24. Please make sure to mention the
reference number ANR 5953.

Application Deadline: 24-Aug-2026

Web Address for Applications:
https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/870a96abc9c1d265d30d96c359a15f0d1c02b97c0

Contact Information:
Tatjana Scheffler



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