37.2912, Support: Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Syntax: PhD, Rovira i Virgili University

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-37-2912. Mon Sep 14 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.2912, Support: Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Syntax: PhD, Rovira i Virgili University

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Date: 13-Sep-2026
From: Isabel Oltra-Massuet [isabel.oltra at urv.cat]
Subject: Linguistic Theories, Morphology, Syntax: PhD, Rovira i Virgili University


Institution/Organization: Rovira i Virgili University
Web Address: https://www.urv.cat/en/

Level: PhD

Duties: Project Work

Specialty Areas: Linguistic Theories; Morphology; Syntax

Description:

Fully funded 4-year PhD position in Argument Structure and Interface
Phenomena at Rovira i Virgili University (Tarragona)
I am very pleased to announce an upcoming four-year fully funded
predoctoral research training (FPI) contract to undertake a PhD within
the research project AURI – Argument Structure of Unergative
Predicates and Related Interface Phenomena (PID2025-171173NB-I00),
funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and
Universities.
The project is based at Rovira i Virgili University (URV) and is led
by Isabel Oltra-Massuet (PI). The successful candidate will join the
Research Group on Language and Linguistics (ROLLING) and pursue their
PhD within the interuniversity Doctoral Programme in Cognitive Science
and Language.
AURI investigates argument structure and event structure at the
lexicon–syntax interface, with unergativity as a central testing
ground for broader theories of argument realization. The project
examines how unergative configurations relate to transitive,
unaccusative, causative, resultative and light verb structures, and
how argument realization interacts with the syntactic and semantic
properties of roots. The project adopts a neoconstructionist approach
to argument structure, and pays particular attention to the internal
heterogeneity of unergative predicates, including their interaction
with internal arguments, prepositional complements, cognate objects
and light verb constructions, as well as to properties of external
arguments such as causation, agentivity and animacy. While the
research is primarily concerned with Catalan, Spanish and English, it
also encourages the comparative evidence from other languages.
I am looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong background
in theoretical linguistics, particularly syntax and morphology, who is
interested in developing research on argument structure, event
structure and the lexicon-syntax interface. Potential dissertation
topics may address unergativity, cognate objects, light verb
constructions, or closely related questions and interface phenomena in
argument and event structure. Candidates interested in
cross-linguistic and/or experimental approaches are particularly
welcome. Previous experience with artificial language learning,
experimental linguistics or the psycholinguistics of argument
structure will be considered an advantage, but is not a requirement.
The precise dissertation topic will be developed jointly with the
successful candidate, taking into account both the aims of AURI and
the candidate's own research interests and expertise.
Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Linguistics, Philology, or
a closely related field, have an excellent academic record at both
undergraduate and Master's level, and demonstrate a strong interest in
morphosyntax, argument structure and interface phenomena. Knowledge of
Catalan is not required at the time of application. However, as
Catalan is the main institutional language of the university, the
successful candidate will be expected to acquire a working knowledge
of Catalan within the first two years of the PhD.
The position will be based in the Department of English and German
Studies at Rovira i Virgili University, Tarragona, Spain.
The official call has not yet been published but is expected to open
shortly. Prospective candidates are therefore strongly encouraged to
get in touch as soon as possible. If you are interested, please
contact Isabel Oltra-Massuet at isabel.oltra at urv.cat, including:
- an up-to-date CV;
- a brief statement of motivation and research interests;
- the names and email addresses of two academic referees.
Expressions of interest at this stage are informal and do not replace
the application to the official call once it opens.
Please share widely! If you know an outstanding student or
early-career researcher whose interests might fit the project, I would
be very grateful if you could forward this announcement to them.

Email Address for Applications: isabel.oltra at urv.cat

Contact Information:
Isabel Oltra-Massuet
Contact Email: isabel.oltra at urv.cat



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