The project will investigate sonority-driven synchronic and diachronic sound changes in English and other Indo-European languages. The research will be carried out in close cooperation with the SALT project at the Department of Language and Culture at the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø. The aims of the SALT project are threefold: (i) to create a database of the syllable phonotactics of 500 languages, (ii) to conduct research on the acquisition and attrition of languages with complex syllable structures and large consonant inventories, and (iii) the role of sonority in syllable phonotactics.
Candidates are encouraged to submit their own project proposal on the role of sonority in phonology.

• Conducting research on the role of sonority in phonotactics and sound changes;
• Working on the compilation of a database together with the other SALT project members;
• Writing a PhD thesis on issues regarding sonority and language change;
• Submitting research results for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals;
• Presenting papers at national and international conferences and colloquia;
• Teaching in the second and third years of the appointment (teaching in the Linguistics curriculum is entirely in English);
• Organizing and participating in reading and discussions groups, seminars, and workshops within LUCL. 

• A completed Master or equivalent degree in linguistics or a related discipline;
• Demonstrable affinity with phonology, theoretical and historical linguistics;
• An enterprising and creative mind and excellent analytical skills, evidence of which should emerge from the MA thesis;
• Excellent command of English, with good writing skills;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Familiarity with databases;
• Familiarity with statistical and/or computational methods in linguistics would be an advantage. 

Appointment will be according to the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten), for a period of one year with an extension of three years after positive evaluation of capabilities and compatibility, starting 1 October 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. The appointment must lead to the completion of a PhD thesis. The gross monthly salary is set on € 2,222.- in the first year, increasing to € 2,840.- gross per month in the final year.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at www.workingat.leiden.edu/.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia.

Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities is rich in expertise in fields as philosophy, religious studies, history, art history, literature, linguistics and regional studies covering nearly every region of the world. Our faculty is home to more than 5400 students and 800 staff members. 

Leiden University has a longstanding tradition in research in the world’s languages and features unique linguistic expertise. LUCL combines current theoretical insights and modern experimental methods in its research profile area “Language Diversity in the World”. For more information, see: www.research.leiden.edu/research-profiles/language-diversity.