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Call for expressions of interest for PhD positions in the microdiachronic study of endangered languages (Griko, LSC)
The LSC Lab (Laboratori de llengua de signes catalana, https://www.upf.edu/web/lsc-lab), part of the Formal Linguistics Group (GLiF, https://www.upf.edu/web/glif) at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, is searching for possible PhD candidates interested in joining the project “Microdiachrony in endangered languages across modalities (MICRODIAC(H)RO)”, funded by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PID2020-119041GB-I00). The co-PIs are Gemma Barberà and Josep Quer.
This project focuses on two endangered languages in different modalities: Catalan Sign Language (LSC, Catalonia) and Griko (Italiot-Greek variety of Salento, Southern Italy). Change in morphosyntactic properties within such languages has received very little attention so far. The project attempts at making a novel contribution to fill this gap in research from a cross-modal perspective on two fronts: (a) exploring how diachronic grammatical change in a relatively small time span can be detected, described and accounted for (microdiachrony), and (b) creating research resources in the form of two corpora of LSC and Griko that include transcribed and annotated data to make the study of grammatical change feasible.
We are searching for two interested and motivated candidates that would like to carry out their PhD projects in connection with this research agenda. The Agency for Management of University and Research Grants of the Government of Catalonia (AGAUR) has just opened a call for PhD positions (FI 2022), and the interested candidates should apply for such a position themselves directly to the funding body (AGAUR), after having received endorsement by a Faculty member. The two co-PIs are able to endorse one application each and need to select two candidates out of those having expressed their interest in such a position (see below).
If the candidates obtain the scholarship, they will become members of the above mentioned project, as well as of the LSC Lab and GLiF, where they will be hosted. They will also enroll in the PhD program in Translation and Language Sciences of Pompeu Fabra University (https://www.upf.edu/web/phd-tradlangsci).
Interested candidates must *first submit their expression of interest* to Gemma Barberà (gemma.barbera@upf.edu) and Josep Quer (josep.quer@upf.edu) by e-mail *by 15 October 2021*.
The candidates are expected to match the following qualifications and skills:
* A Master’s degree (or equivalent) with excellent grade records in formal linguistics with a strong background in either sign language research or in Greek morphosyntax.
* Firm background knowledge in grammar theory and (a) linguistic typology, (b) language contact or (c) diachronic grammar.
* Proficiency in either (a) Catalan Sign Language (or another sign language) and in English, or (b) in Greek and in English. In the latter case, knowledge of Italian will be considered a valuable additional asset.
* Excellent research skills.
* Excellent academic writing and presentation skills.
* Excellent communication, social and organizational skills.
* Experience of working with language consultants and with corpus data.
The working language of the project will be English. Preference will be given to a Deaf applicant with equal qualifications.
Expressions of interest should include the following information, in one pdf file:
• a letter of motivation (at most 1 page) explaining why you are interested in this position;
• a curriculum vitae (including a URL for download of bachelor and/or master thesis — if applicable; if not possible, send it in a separate attachment);
• a list of grades obtained for your Bachelor and Master (or equivalent) programs; names and contact details of two academic referees.
Eligibility requirements for candidates for the open PhD call by AGAUR:
a) They must meet the requirements to enrol in the doctoral program between January 1, 2019 and the date of submission of the application.
b) At the time of submitting the application, the candidates must not have received any grant or the FI and FI-SDUR programs (AGAUR). They must not have had a predoctoral research contract for more than 12 months.
c) At the time of starting the contract of the grant, the candidates must be enrolled in the doctoral program of the academic year 2021-22.
d) They must not hold a doctoral degree.
e) They must have a minimum average grade in their academic records for undergraduate studies or an equivalent degree equal to or greater than 6.50 (scale from 0 to 10). In the case of studies completed abroad, this minimum average grade of the academic transcript must be calculated in accordance with the declaration of equivalences of the average grade of the academic transcript provided by the current resolutions of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. The results of these calculations are those that will also be applied during the prioritization and selection process.
Duration:
This contract has a maximum duration of 3 years, to be evaluated every year.
Salary:
21,043.32 euros gross euros per year in the first year and second years.
22,338.77 euros gross per year in the third year.
The grant also covers the amount of the tuition fee of the PhD program.
3,000 euros are made available to carry out training activities.
Hiring:
The contract must be formalized no later than 1 May 2022. Contracts of non-EU candidates may be formalized until 1 July 2022. Contracts must be full-time and the duration must be one year and extended up to a maximum of three years.
For training purposes, they may participate in teaching tasks with a maximum of 60 hours per year.
Submission of applications:
The form must be completed and submitted electronically to AGAUR. For instructions, visit:
For a summary of the call in Catalan visit:
Once the application has been sent electronically, UPF will review the applications submitted and request the necessary documentation to prepare the prioritization of candidates in accordance with the prioritization criteria approved by UPF.
**Deadline for online submission of applications to AGAUR: 20-10-2021, 14 h. (CET)**
