The Courant Research Center “Text Structures”,

the Experimental Sign Language Lab Göttingen, and

the “Language Acquisition” Junior Research Group

at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen

invites applications for 2 PhD positions (65% TV-L 13)

– 1 PhD position in experimental sign language linguistics

– 1 PhD position in neurolinguistics

within the framework of two DFG funded project entitled “Discourse Referents in Space – Anaphora Resolution in German Sign Language”. The project is part of the DFG Priority Programme “XPrag.de: New Pragmatic Theories based on Experimental Evidence”, which aims at developing a pragmatic theory that is informed by evidence using experimental methods. The positions are initially available for 36 months starting 1st May 2014 pending final approval of funding.

The objective of the research project is to develop a theory of the linguistic structure and neuro-cognitive processing of anaphoric relations and discourse referents in sign language based on empirical data from German Sign Language (DGS). Candidates should have a background in Psychology, Linguistics, Cognitive Science or related fields. Other requirements include excellent communication skills and a commitment to interdisciplinary research.

In addition, candidates should have either a strong background in sign language linguistics including knowledge of a sign language (ideally DGS) or in psycholinguistic or neurolinguistic research. Previous experience in creating sign language stimuli and collecting and analysing EEG data is desirable.

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as they are underrepresented in this field. Disabled persons with equivalent aptitude will be favoured. The working language of the groups is English and applicants from outside Germany are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidates will have the opportunity to apply for PhD program the “Behavior and Cognition”, an interdisciplinary study program on the foundations and the evolution of nonhuman and human primate behaviour (www.uni-goettingen.de/en/217295.html).

Please send your application with the usual documents in electronic form by 10th April, 2014 to Tanja Recke (tanja.recke@phil.uni-goettingen.de).

Candidates should clearly indicate which position they wish to apply for and why they believe themselves to be suitable for the position. In addition, we ask that two academic references are sent separately to the same email address by 15th April 2014.

For further information please visit our website (http://www.unigoettingen.de/de/480152.html) or contact Markus Steinbach (markus.steinbach@phil.uni-goettingen.de).

We request that you send us electronic copies of your application documents, as no returns will be made. We will destroy the documents after a holding period of five months. Application documents will only be returned to you if you provide a self-addressed adequately stamped envelope.