37.2036, Jobs: Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Pragmatics, Semantics, Syntax: Postdoctoral Researcher Syntax of Interactional Linguistics, Leiden University Centre for Linguistics
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LINGUIST List: Vol-37-2036. Wed Jun 10 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.
Subject: 37.2036, Jobs: Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Pragmatics, Semantics, Syntax: Postdoctoral Researcher Syntax of Interactional Linguistics, Leiden University Centre for Linguistics
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Date: 09-Jun-2026
From: Jenneke van der Wal [g.j.van.der.wal at hum.leidenuniv.nl]
Subject: Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Pragmatics, Semantics, Syntax: Postdoctoral Researcher Syntax of Interactional Linguistics, Leiden University Centre for Linguistics
Job Location: Netherlands
Web Address:
https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities/leiden-university-centre-for-linguistics
Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher Syntax of Interactional Linguistics
Job Rank: Post Doc
Minimum Education: PhD
Specialty Areas: Linguistic Theories; Morphology; Pragmatics;
Semantics; Syntax
Description:
The Leiden University Centre for Linguistics is looking for a
postdoctoral researcher in the project ‘Interactional linguistics from
periphery to core’, funded by an Ammodo Award for Fundamental Science
awarded to Dr. Jenneke van der Wal
(https://www.ammodo-science.org/story/ammodo-science-award-2025).
The start of the position is flexible, earliest in August 2026.
Project Description:
The project intends to explore what a model of grammar should look
like in order to explain how the knowledge of the speaker and listener
are expressed in morphosyntax. In particular, the aim of the postdoc’s
work is to propose a way to incorporate evidentiality, egophoricity,
and mirativity into a formal theory of grammar. Wiltschko’s (2014,
2021) universal and interactional spine hypothesis can form a starting
point in this endeavour. We hope to find answers to the following
questions:
- Which aspects of evidentiality/egophoricity/mirativity are indeed
syntactic?
- What is the role of agreement in accounting for the connections
between higher (e.g. Speaker and Addressee Ground) and lower areas of
the spine, if any?
- Are there structurally/formally/theoretically different ways in
which interactional aspects integrate in the grammar, differing
between languages and/or between such aspects?
- What can co-expression of different aspects of epistemicity tell us
about the possible underspecification and multifunctionality of the
spine and/or formal features?
- Can the interpretational effects be accounted for by more basic
features? For example, how do deictic features play a role
(self/nonself, Rooryck 2019)?
With the answers to these questions, we gain insights into how aspects
of intersubjective epistemicity can be part of the grammar and how
this can vary crosslinguistically. This will contribute to a more
encompassing model of linguistic competency, taking into account
linguistic phenomena outside of European languages and embracing the
influence of the speaker and addressee on the grammar.
This project is a sister project to the MapLE project
(https://epistemicity.net), which means that the rich data gathered by
the collaborators of the MapLE project can inspire the theoretical
development in this Ammodo project, and vice versa, the insights and
predictions from the developing model can be taken along and tested by
the MapLE collaborators. The PI of the MapLE project (Jenneke van der
Wal) will be working in parallel on a theoretical analysis of
engagement and information structure.
For a fuller background and description of the postdoc project, see
this document. See also the upcoming SLE workshop related to the
project, ‘The morphosyntax of who knows what and how in interaction’
(https://societaslinguistica.eu/sle2026/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/09/cfp-SLE-workshop-modelling-the-speaker-and-addressee-website-1.pdf)
on 26-29 August, which the successful candidate is invited to attend.
Responsibilities:
The postdoc is free to determine the precise content of the project as
long as they:
- develop a formal analysis of evidentiality, egophoricity and/or
mirativity
- present their work at (international) conferences
- (co-)author at least three scientific publications on the basis of
their project work for international peer-review journals
In addition, they may optionally:
- Contribute to courses related to the project
- Be involved in outreach activities
Selection Criteria:
- PhD in linguistics
- Proven expertise in generative syntax, pragmatics, semantics
- Experience in comparative syntax beyond European languages
- Interest in evidentiality, egophoricity and mirativity
- Good data management skills
- Sharp analytical skills and ability to come up with creative
solutions
- Independence, resourcefulness and readiness to solve problems
- Capacity to collaborate with team members of the MapLE project
The successful candidate is expected to work in Leiden.
Research Environment:
The postdoctoral researcher will be part of an active international
research community, with regular seminars, collaborations, and
opportunities to interact with researchers across a range of areas in
linguistics at the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL) and
in the Netherlands.
LUCL is one of seven Institutes that falls under the Faculty of
Humanities. With over 120 linguists working at the Institute, it is a
rich research environment that prides itself on fostering scientific
excellence. LUCL has a longstanding tradition in the study of the
world’s languages and features unique linguistic expertise. Current
theoretical insights are combined with modern experimental methods in
its research profile area ‘Language Diversity in the World’.
Researchers from our six umbrella research groups are experts in their
respective fields but equally find innovative ways of collaborating
with other fields and disciplines.
The Faculty of Humanities is rich in expertise in fields such as
philosophy, religious studies, history, art history, literature,
linguistics and area studies covering nearly every region of the
world. With its staff of 995, the faculty provides 27 master’s and 25
bachelor’s programmes for over 7,000 students based at locations in
Leiden and in The Hague. For more information:
https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities.
Terms and Conditions:
We offer a 1.0 FTE position for three years, initially for one year
(with a 2-month probation period), with extension after a positive
evaluation. The start of the position is flexible, earliest in August
2026.
Salary range from € 4,728.- to € 4,901.- gross per month (pay scale
11.0 – 11.1), based on fulltime employment, in accordance with the
Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities and commensurate
with qualifications and experience. Depending on qualifications, you
may start at the appropriate step in scale 10 until you fully meet the
requirements for scale 11 as specified by the Faculty of Humanities,
particularly with regard to the number of years of relevant work
experience.
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with
additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and
career development. Our individual choices model gives you some
freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For
international spouses we have set up a dual career programme.
Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a
substantial tax break. More at
https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.
Diversity:
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values
and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to
becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff
to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential.
Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and
strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is
inclusive.
Contact Information:
For further information about the project, please contact:
Dr. Jenneke van der Wal
g.j.van.der.wal at hum.leidenuniv.nl
For practical questions regarding the application procedure:
Maarit van Gammeren
m.s.k.van.gammeren at hum.leidenuniv.nl
Application Procedure:
Applicants are invited to submit the following materials by 10 July
2026:
1. Curriculum Vitae and a list of publications.
2. A cover letter explaining your motivation, background and
qualifications for the position (max. 2 pages)
3. A research plan (max. 2 pages)
4. Names, positions, and email addresses of two referees (reference
letters are not required at this stage).
Candidates will be notified by 20 July for interviews on the 12th of
August.
Applications should be submitted through the university’s application
portal.
Enquiries from recruitment agencies are not appreciated.
Application Deadline: 10-Jul-2026
Mailing Address for Applications:
LUCL
Postbus 9515
2300 RA Leiden
the Netherlands
Netherlands
Email Address for Applications: g.j.van.der.wal at hum.leidenuniv.nl
Web Address for Applications:
https://careers.universiteitleiden.nl/job/Postdoctoral-researcher-Syntax-of-interactional-linguistics/16599-en_US
Contact Information:
Jenneke van der Wal
Email: g.j.van.der.wal at hum.leidenuniv.nl
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