POST-DOC AND TWO PhD POSITIONS, University of Haifa

[Carl B örstell]

POST-DOC AND TWO PhD POSITIONS

Three positions related to sign language research for a multi-disciplinary project 
are being offered at the University of Haifa, Israel.  The project is called The 
Grammar of the Body: A Multi-disciplinary Approach to Compositionality in 
Language.  Inspired by the relation between bodily articulators and grammatical 
compositionality in sign languages, the research program is comprised of five 
subprojects investigating compositionality in sign language, gesture, and 
artistic performance.  It will be funded by a European Research Council grant to 
Wendy Sandler.

POST-DOC POSITION.  This is a position for a sign language linguist who will be 
involved in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data from village and deaf 
community sign languages, within the context of the project’s research 
program.  The successful candidate will have a PhD in linguistics (by February 
2014) with an emphasis on sign language; strong sign language skills and an 
ability to communicate across sign languages from different cultures; good 
interpersonal skills; and strong English writing ability.  The position is full-time 
for 3 years with a possibility of extension.  The project will start in February 
2014, pending final contractual agreement.
 
PhD POSITION.  This is a position for a sign language linguistics student who 
will be involved in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data from village and 
deaf community sign languages, within the context of the project’s research 
program.  The successful candidate will have a good background in linguistics, 
preferably with an emphasis on sign language, and strong skills in sign language 
and communication across sign languages from different cultures.  Good English 
writing ability is also needed for this position.  It is offered for three years, with 
a possibility for extension.  The project will start in February 2014, pending final 
contractual agreement.

PhD POSITION SIGN LANGUAGE STRUCTURE AND THEATRE.  The PhD position is 
for the sign language theatre laboratory subproject.  The subproject will include 
theatrical training techniques with deaf and hearing actors and will address the 
research questions through analysis of artistic expression and its interpretation.  
The position is offered for a student who will be involved in recording and 
analyzing the actors’ exercises and performances, and in developing methods 
for assessing interpretation of the ‘grammar of the body’ in this context.   

A creative person is sought who has very strong expressive and receptive skills 
in a sign language, as well as some background in theatre.  Preference will be 
given to candidates with a master’s degree in linguistics, cognitive psychology, 
or a related discipline.  If your sign language is not Israeli Sign Language, then 
an ability to communicate well across sign languages is important.  Good English 
writing skills are also required.  The position is for 3 years with a possibility of 
extension.  The project will start in February 2014, pending final contractual 
agreement.

Applications should be sent by email to wendy.sandler at gmail.com , including a 
cover letter and short research statement, CV, and names and email addresses 
for three letters of reference. 

Post-doc applicants should send 2-5 publications or links to them.
PhD applicants should send 2-3 research papers or other academic writing 
samples.

Deadline:  October 5, 2013.
   
 

Professor Wendy Sandler
Director, Sign Language Research Lab
Rabin Building
University of Haifa
31905 Haifa
Israel

lab website:  http://sandlersignlab.haifa.ac.il
home page:  http://sandlersignlab.haifa.ac.il/wendy.htm