What are you going to do?

Your research will mainly focus on functional theories of language and communication, including Functional Discourse Grammar, in a typological framework with a research focus on syntax, morphology and semantics. You study linguistic behaviour and linguistic change in different ecologies. Your research is further concerned with the implications for the study of human language, cognition, and communication. We have a special interest in scholars working on less familiar languages and communities. Your research will be part of the Amsterdam Center for Language and Communication (ACLC), https://aclc.uva.nl/. The ACLC prioritises diversity (taken in a holistic sense, e.g., ethnicity, social background, gender, sexuality) and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We are seeking a talented researcher and teacher who can liaise between different ACLC research groups, develop interdisciplinary projects, and research-based teaching. The ACLC is one of the five research schools of the Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research.

You will teach in a dynamic context with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods. You will contribute to teaching and developing courses in the area of functional linguistics, in programmes such as the BA Linguistics; the Master General Linguistics; the Research Master Linguistics and Communication and the BSc Cognition, Language and Communication. These programmes adopt an interdisciplinary approach and you are expected to be open to fields not directly related to your research focus such as foreign languages teaching or cultural linguistics. We welcome your commitment to the development of a stimulating and collaborative educational atmosphere for teachers and students alike.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Designing and conducting independent research within the framework of functional linguistics, applied to any of the following areas: language description and linguistic typology; historical linguistics and grammatical change; and/or comparative study of language and communication.
• Publishing in peer-reviewed international scientific journals and / or books
• actively pursuing external funding for research, notably funding from research councils, national as well as European;
• actively contributing to and developing national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;
• actively contributing to the research activities of the ACLC;
• developing, coordinating and teaching courses in the broad area of functional linguistics in both Dutch and English, in the Bachelor and Master programmes;
• supervising Bachelor and Master theses and tutoring students;
• co-supervising PhD theses;
• actively contributing to the development and improvement of the broader teaching programmes in the department;
• taking part in committees and working groups, and engaging with departmental administrative tasks.

You are a dynamic and ambitious researcher with a strong profile, demonstrable by international publications and an international academic network. Your publications show broad knowledge of functional linguistics, including Functional Discourse Grammar, familiarity with fundamental questions in general linguistics and their implications for language use, and a strong affinity with linguistic typology, and language change. We especially are interested in scholars who investigate functional linguistics in less studied languages. Your research matches the profile of the ACLC.

You are able to develop and teach courses that involve functional linguistics and a typological approach such as (not an exhaustive list): the courses introduction to linguistics, syntax, morphology, linguistic theories, and specialization in linguistics in the BA Linguistics program and courses such as the interface between syntax and semantics in the Master General Linguistics and perspectives on language and communication 1 in the Research MA Language and Communication. It is important that you can take several perspectives on linguistic theories, including Functional Discourse Grammar. Ideally you can also contribute to courses involving language change or to courses that involve language teaching if applicable (language teaching courses from bachelor programmes such as French, Italian, and/or German language and culture). Important is proven flexibility in teaching on topics beyond your own research focus, a willingness to work in interdisciplinary teams of teachers and the ability to offer inspiring lectures and tutorials in the BA, MA and minor programmes that aspire to a wide range of students.

Your experience and profile:

You

• hold a PhD in General Linguistics under a functionalist approach with a research focus on linguistic typology, grammatical change and/or historical linguistics;
• participate in an international academic network in the research area concerned;
• provide research output commensurate with the level of the position;
• are an active and ambitious researcher with a strong publication record;
• demonstrable ability and ambition to obtain external research grants;
• have broad and relevant teaching experience at BA and MA level;
• have an excellent command of English. If you are not fluent in Dutch, an active and passive command must be acquired within two years of the employment contract and the state examination for Dutch as a Second Language programme II must be passed;
• have experience with digital and audiovisual teaching facilities and affinity with IT in university teaching;
• are experienced in valorisation and practice-based education and/or research;
• are a good team player and versatile at all levels, capable of multidisciplinary co-operation;
• have excellent organisational experience and skills;
• hold the Dutch Basic Teaching Qualification, or are willing to acquire this within the first two years.

We offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 18 months. If you already have an employment contract with the UvA, we offer permanent employment upon a satisfactory evaluation following a temporary employment contract of a maximum of 12 months. There is a probationary period of two months. The employment is for 38 hours per week. The preferred starting date is between 1 April 2023 and 01 August 2023.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and relevant experience, ranges between € 3,974 to € 6,181. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the '30% ruling', may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

We additionally offer:

• the opportunity to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams;
• excellent opportunities for study and personal development;
• an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

Faculty of Humanities

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in de field of language and culture. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the faculty maintains close ties with many cultural institutes in the capital city. Research and teaching staff focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and are active in several teaching programmes.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Judith Rispens, chair of the Department of Literature and Language