PhD in Evolutionary Semantics

Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (ISLE)

PhD in Evolutionary Semantics 80 %

Start of employment or later by arrangement), temporary

The ISLE Institute invites applications for two PhD positions in a project investigating the evolution of abstract concepts in diverse languages. A brief statement of project goals can be found in this funding announcement.

The project is situated in the Anthropological Linguistics Group at ISLE, and will also be connected with a much broader research consortium, the NCCR Evolving Language.

Your responsibilities

Each of the PhDs will develop a regional case study, and write a thesis consisting of three journal articles to be completed within four years. All articles will be written together with your supervisors and other coauthors, potentially including collaborators from other disciplines such as anthropology or archaeology. You will design and implement a research method that contributes to the overall goals of the funded project. The project has a particular focus on the Australian, Papuan and Pacific regions, though other regions may also be considered if clearly motivated

You will be integrated into a multidisciplinary institute with a strong focus on innovative methods in the language sciences. Your project will be highly collaborative and include exceptional opportunities for learning new research skills. Your dissertation work will be supervised by Professor John Mansfield and co-supervisors.

Employment is at 80% FTE and includes within this about 10% teaching assistant tasks. The position is a training opportunity and you are expected to use the remaining unpaid 20% for your own further training and skill development. The salary is internationally competitive and follows standards set by the Swiss National Science Foundation, see Salary ranges, guidelines for employees in SNSF-funded projects (PDF).

The position is offered as a one-year contract, renewable for up to four years based on performance.

Your profile

You have a background in linguistics (especially semantics and typology), cognitive psychology, anthropology or archaeology, with a Master's degree on a related topic. Skills in data science (e.g. R, Python, statistics) would also be beneficial. Candidates who lack data science skills are expected to have strong motivation to learn at the beginning of the PhD project. We greatly value team science, and you are expected to have excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Information on your application

Review of applications will begin from 26 January 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

To apply, please prepare the following documents as a single PDF:

• A cover letter (ca. 1 page) describing your previous experience and research interests, with a motivation to apply for the present position
• A CV with a list of course work and grades
• One or two short writing samples/publications that demonstrate your qualifications for the position

Please be prepared to provide the contact information (name, position, and e-mail addresses) of two references.

For further information about the project, please contact John Mansfield. For administrative questions, please contact Lena Zipp.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
• Special conditions on hotel reservations

Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

Location
Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (ISLE)

Affolternstrasse 56, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information
Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. John Mansfield

Project Leader

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer

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