PhD/Postdocs: Phylogenetics and Language/Cultural Evolution 1035 views

The Comparative Oceanic Languages Project in the Department of Linguistic and Cultural Evolution at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, offering PhD and postdoctoral positions to researchers with strong backgrounds in Computational Linguistics, Historical Linguistics, Anthropology, Evolutionary Biology, or related disciplines.

Research areas:

• Comparative and computational phylogenetic analysis of language families to infer human prehistory in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Comparative analysis of cultural and linguistic paradigms to infer human prehistory in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Testing hypotheses about large-scale processes shaping linguistic diversity.
• Developing new quantitative or phylogenetic methods for modelling, investigating, and understanding language evolution and human prehistory.

Requirements:

• Applicant must hold MA (for PhD applicants) or PhD (for Postdoc applicants) in Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, Linguistics, Anthropology, or related field with an outstanding academic record.
• Strong proficiency in both spoken and written English.
• Strong analytical skills and proven self-motivation to complete independent work.
• Strong team player qualities (you will work in an interdisciplinary and international team where communication is crucial for the success of the project).
• Research experience on Pacific Island cultures, languages, societies is beneficial.
• Good computational skills with knowledge of R, Python or other language.

Duration: Full-time position, starting a soon as possible, initially limited to 3 years with the possibility of extension of 2 more years

Applications:

Apply online and include the following:

• Cover letter, explaining research experience and reason for interest in this project, along with a proposed research project (max. two pages).
• CV and copies of degree certificates (Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD diplomas or transcripts).
• Names and contact information (including email and phone) for 2-3 referees.