37.2707, Support: English, German; Pragmatics, Psycholinguistics, Semantics: PhD, University of Konstanz

Wed Aug 19 09:05:02 UTC 2026

LINGUIST List: Vol-37-2707. Wed Aug 19 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.2707, Support: English, German; Pragmatics, Psycholinguistics, Semantics: PhD, University of Konstanz

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Date: 18-Aug-2026
From: Nadine Bade [nadine.bade at uni-konstanz.de]
Subject: English, German; Pragmatics, Psycholinguistics, Semantics: PhD, University of Konstanz

Institution/Organization: University of Konstanz

Level: PhD

Duties: Research, Project Work

Specialty Areas: Pragmatics; Psycholinguistics; Semantics
Required Language(s): English (eng, stan1293)
                      German (deu)

Description:

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Experimental Semantics and Pragmatics
University of Konstanz (TV-L E13, 65%, until December 2029)
The newly established Collaborative Research Centre SFB 1760 “Silence,
Noise and Signal in Language” at the University of Konstanz
investigates the role of silence and noise in our capacity for
perceiving, learning, and producing linguistic signals. The SFB brings
together theoretical, experimental, computational, and empirical
research in linguistics with projects from computer science,
computational social science, media studies, and sociology. More
information about the SFB and its scientific aims is available at:
https://www.sfb1760.uni-konstanz.de/about-us/scientific-aim/
Within the SFB, project A05 “Silent common ground management through
pragmatic inference” is seeking to fill a doctoral researcher position
(TV-L E13, 65%), starting October 1, 2026 and funded until the end of
2029. The doctoral researcher will pursue a dissertation within the
framework of the project under the supervision of Dr. Nadine Bade.
More information about project A05 is available at:
https://www.sfb1760.uni-konstanz.de/research-projects/project-group-a/a05-bade-silent-common-ground-management-through-pragmatic-inference/
Project A05 investigates how meaning is introduced *silently* into the
common ground through two types of pragmatic inference:
presuppositions and quantity implicatures. Both allow speakers to
convey information without explicitly asserting it. The project
examines how such inferred meaning is processed and used in
decision-making, focusing on the conditions under which hearers treat
inferred content as reliable and when they stop relying on it. Using
controlled behavioral experiments, the project systematically
investigates the role of linguistic factors, such as different
presupposition triggers and the availability of alternatives, as well
as cognitive factors, such as memory load and attention.
The project addresses four central research questions: What
grammatical and contextual factors facilitate information-state
updates through presupposition accommodation? To what extent does the
cognitive effort associated with accommodation increase the persuasive
potential of presuppositions? What factors influence perceived speaker
commitment with regard to implicatures? And what role do communicative
context and stake level play in the derivation of implicatures in
decision-making contexts? The doctoral researcher will develop and
test hypotheses related to these questions through experimental
studies and will contribute to the theoretical development of the
project.
Candidates should hold an M.A. degree (or equivalent) in linguistics
and have a strong background and research interest in semantics and/or
pragmatics. An interest in experimental approaches to linguistic
meaning is essential. Candidates should have a very good command of
English; knowledge of German is desirable but not required. Excellent
organizational and interpersonal skills are expected. Knowledge of
statistics and experience with behavioral experiments, reaction-time
methods, eye-tracking, experiment programming, or related experimental
methods are an advantage.
The position offers the opportunity to pursue a PhD within the
interdisciplinary research environment of SFB 1760 “Silence, Noise and
Signal in Language” at the University of Konstanz and to collaborate
with researchers at doctoral, postdoctoral, and professorial levels.
The University of Konstanz also provides extensive career development
and equal-opportunity support.
The salary follows the German public-sector collective agreement TV-L,
pay grade E13 (65%). The position is available from October 1, 2026
until the end of 2029.
The University of Konstanz is committed to ensuring an environment
that provides equal opportunities and promotes diversity as well as a
good balance between university and family life. As an equal
opportunity employer, the University strives to increase the number of
women working in research and teaching. It also supports working
couples through its dual career program. Persons with disabilities are
explicitly encouraged to apply and will be given preference if
appropriately qualified.

Application Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
Application Instructions:
Applications should include
(i) a short motivation letter of no more than one page,
(ii) an academic CV,
(iii) copies of all previous degrees, including detailed transcripts
of records, and
(iv) the names and email addresses of two academic referees.
Applications should be submitted by September 15, 2026 via email to
nadine.bade at uni-konstanz.de.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Questions about the
position can be directed to the same address.

Mailing Address for Applications:
        Germany
Email Address for Applications: nadine.bade at uni-konstanz.de

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