37.27, Support: Anthropological Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Semantics, Typology: PhD, University of Zurich, Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-37-27. Tue Jan 06 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.27, Support: Anthropological Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Semantics, Typology: PhD, University of Zurich, Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution

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Date: 06-Jan-2026
From: John Mansfield [john.mansfield at uzh.ch]
Subject: Anthropological Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Semantics, Typology: PhD, University of Zurich, Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution


Institution/Organization: University of Zurich, Institute for the
Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution
Web Address:
https://www.isle.uzh.ch/en/jobs/phd-evolutionary-semantics.html

Level: PhD

Duties: Research, Teaching, Project Work

Specialty Areas: Anthropological Linguistics; Cognitive Science;
Semantics; Typology

Description:

PhD in Evolutionary Semantics
The ISLE Institute invites applications for two PhD positions in a
project investigating the evolution of abstract concepts in diverse
languages. The project is situated in the Anthropological Linguistics
Group at ISLE (https://www.isle.uzh.ch/en/AnthroL.html), and will also
be connected with a much broader research consortium, the NCCR
Evolving Language (https://evolvinglanguage.ch/).
Each of the PhDs will develop a regional case study, and write a
thesis consisting of three journal articles to be completed within
four years. All articles will be written together with your
supervisors and other coauthors, potentially including collaborators
from other disciplines such as anthropology or archaeology. You will
design and implement a research method that contributes to the overall
goals of the funded project. The project has a particular focus on the
Australian, Papuan and Pacific regions, though other regions may also
be considered if clearly motivated.
The successful applicants have a background in linguistics (especially
semantics and typology), cognitive psychology, anthropology or
archaeology, with a Master’s degree on a related topic. Skills in data
science (e.g. R, Python, statistics) would also be beneficial.
Candidates who lack data science skills are expected to have strong
motivation to learn at the beginning of the PhD project. We greatly
value team science, and you are expected to have excellent
communication and collaboration skills.

Web Address for Applications:
https://www.isle.uzh.ch/en/jobs/phd-evolutionary-semantics.html




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