Experimental and computational approaches have become prominent in the linguistic study of meaning over the past two decades. Experimental methods have made it possible to obtain more detailed empirical insights, not only concerning categorical distinctions (e.g., whether a given construction is felicitous in a given context) but also more fine-grained quantitative patterns. Computational methods have been used to develop new models of semantic composition and pragmatic reasoning, as well as the cognitive processes underlying linguistic interpretation and the evolutionary processes underlying semantic change over time and prevalent typological patterns. The rise of experimental and computational methods has also allowed the field to adopt a more holistic and comprehensive view on language-for instance, while the focus is still predominantly on written text, ever more attention is paid to the semantic contribution of intonation and visual linguistic elements such as hand gestures and facial expressions.
The Institute for Logic, Language and Computation at the University of Amsterdam is looking for an Assistant Professor to conduct research on
Experimental and Computational approaches to Semantics and Pragmatics, and to contribute to our educational programmes in linguistics and closely related disciplines. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research agenda is driven by fundamental scientific questions
as well as important societal issues, with a proven track record of achieving both scientific and societal impact.
What are you going to do?Your research will be part of the research programme
Language Sciences for Social Good (
https://projects.illc.uva.nl/LSG/). You will either join one of the labs within this research programme or initiate your own lab, ideally with strong connections to one or more other labs within the programme. More broadly, you will be a member of the
Institute for Logic, Language, and Computation, one of the five research schools of the
Amsterdam Institute for Humanities Research at the Faculty of Humanities.
You will provide education in a dynamic context with ample opportunities for the development of innovative teaching methods. You will teach in some of our undergraduate and graduate programme, such as the BSc Cognition, Language and Communication, BA Linguistics, MA General Linguistics, RMA Linguistics and Communication, MSc Logic, RMA Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and the MSc Artificial Intelligence.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- actively contributing to the research activities of the Language Sciences for Social Good research programme;
- designing and conducting research in Semantics and/or Pragmatics driven by fundamental scientific questions as well as important societal issues, resulting in academic publications and societal impact;
- 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;
- developing, coordinating and teaching courses in our undergraduate and graduate programmes;
- supervising Bachelor, Master and PhD theses;
- actively contributing to the collaborative development and improvement of the broader teaching programmes that the institute is involved in;
- taking part in committees and working groups and carrying out departmental administrative tasks.