Vacancy number: 16599
Job type: Academic staff
Contract hours min: 38
Contract hours max: 40
Location: Leiden
Applying is possible up to and including: 10 juli 2026
Postdoctoral researcher Syntax of interactional linguistics
1.0 fte, 3 years
The Leiden University Centre for Linguistics is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in the project ‘Interactional linguistics from periphery to core’, funded by an Ammodo Award for Fundamental Science awarded to Dr. Jenneke van der Wal.
The start of the position is flexible, earliest in August 2026.
Project description
The project intends to explore what a model of grammar should look like in order to explain how the knowledge of the speaker and listener are expressed in morphosyntax. In particular, the aim of the postdoc’s work is to propose a way to incorporate evidentiality, egophoricity, and mirativity into a formal theory of grammar. Wiltschko’s (2014, 2021) universal and interactional spine hypothesis can form a starting point in this endeavour. We hope to find answers to the following questions:
- Which aspects of evidentiality/egophoricity/mirativity are indeed syntactic?
- What is the role of agreement in accounting for the connections between higher (e.g. Speaker and Addressee Ground) and lower areas of the spine, if any?
- Are there structurally/formally/theoretically different ways in which interactional aspects integrate in the grammar, differing between languages and/or between such aspects?
- What can co-expression of different aspects of epistemicity tell us about the possible underspecification and multifunctionality of the spine and/or formal features?
- Can the interpretational effects be accounted for by more basic features? For example, how do deictic features play a role (self/nonself, Rooryck 2019)?
With the answers to these questions, we gain insights into how aspects of intersubjective epistemicity can be part of the grammar and how this can vary crosslinguistically. This will contribute to a more encompassing model of linguistic competency, taking into account linguistic phenomena outside of European languages and embracing the influence of the speaker and addressee on the grammar.
This project is a sister project to the MapLE project, which means that the rich data gathered by the collaborators of the MapLE project can inspire the theoretical development in this Ammodo project, and vice versa, the insights and predictions from the developing model can be taken along and tested by the MapLE collaborators. The PI of the MapLE project (Jenneke van der Wal) will be working in parallel on a theoretical analysis of engagement and information structure.
For a fuller background and description of the postdoc project, see this document. See also the upcoming SLE workshop related to the project, ‘The morphosyntax of who knows what and how in interaction’ on 26-29 August, which the successful candidate is invited to attend.
Responsibilities
The postdoc is free to determine the precise content of the project as long as they:
- develop a formal analysis of evidentiality, egophoricity and/or mirativity
- present their work at (international) conferences
- (co-)author at least three scientific publications on the basis of their project work for international peer-review journals
In addition, they may optionally:
- Contribute to courses related to the project
- Be involved in outreach activities
Selection criteria
- PhD in linguistics
- Proven expertise in generative syntax, pragmatics, semantics
- Experience in comparative syntax beyond European languages
- Interest in evidentiality, egophoricity and mirativity
- Good data management skills
- Sharp analytical skills and ability to come up with creative solutions
- Independence, resourcefulness and readiness to solve problems
- Capacity to collaborate with team members of the MapLE project
The successful candidate is expected to work in Leiden.
Research environment
The postdoctoral researcher will be part of an active international research community, with regular seminars, collaborations, and opportunities to interact with researchers across a range of areas in linguistics at the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL) and in the Netherlands.
LUCL is one of seven Institutes that falls under the Faculty of Humanities. With over 120 linguists working at the Institute, it is a rich research environment that prides itself on fostering scientific excellence. LUCL has a longstanding tradition in the study of the world’s languages and features unique linguistic expertise. Current theoretical insights are combined with modern experimental methods in its research profile area ‘Language Diversity in the World’. Researchers from our six umbrella research groups are experts in their respective fields but equally find innovative ways of collaborating with other fields and disciplines.
The Faculty of Humanities is rich in expertise in fields such as philosophy, religious studies, history, art history, literature, linguistics and area studies covering nearly every region of the world. With its staff of 995, the faculty provides 27 master’s and 25 bachelor’s programmes for over 7,000 students based at locations in Leiden and in The Hague. For more information: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities.
Terms and conditions
We offer a 1.0 FTE position for three years, initially for one year (with a 2-month probation period), with extension after a positive evaluation. The start of the position is flexible, earliest in August 2026.
Salary range from € 4,728.- to € 4,901.- gross per month (pay scale 11.0 – 11.1), based on fulltime employment, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Depending on qualifications, you may start at the appropriate step in scale 10 until you fully meet the requirements for scale 11 as specified by the Faculty of Humanities, particularly with regard to the number of years of relevant work experience.
You are expected to work in Leiden.
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.
Diversity
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.
Contact information
For further information about the project, please contact:
Dr. Jenneke van der Wal
[email protected]
For practical questions regarding the application procedure:
Maarit van Gammeren
[email protected]
Application procedure
Applicants are invited to submit the following materials by 28 June 2026:
- Curriculum Vitae and a list of publications.
- A cover letter explaining your motivation, background and qualifications for the position (max. 2 pages)
- A research plan (max. 2 pages)
- Names, positions, and email addresses of two referees (reference letters are not required at this stage).
Candidates will be notified by 6 July for interviews on the 10th of July.
Applications should be submitted through the university’s application portal.
Enquiries from recruitment agencies are not appreciated.
