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- Tasks: Join a research team to explore linguistic phylogenetics and develop computational tools.
- Company: University of Surrey's renowned Surrey Morphology Group.
- Benefits: Part-time role with flexible hours and collaborative research environment.
- Why this job: Contribute to groundbreaking research in phonology and cognitive science.
- Qualifications: Postdoctoral experience in linguistics and coding skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a vibrant academic setting.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Postdoctoral position in linguistic phylogenetics and computational tool building. Prof Erich Round is seeking qualified applicants for a one-year part-time postdoctoral role on “REVOLUPHON: Rational Evolutionary Phonology”. This postdoctoral project contributes to the modelling and data components in the ERC-selected, UKRI-funded project "Rational Evolutionary Phonology", led by Erich Round in 2024–2029. The position is based at the Surrey Morphology Group at the University of Surrey, and provides the opportunity to work in the vibrant and highly collegial research environment for which SMG is renowned.
Background: REVOLUPHON is an ambitious project in computational cognitive science, cultural evolution and phonological theory, which seeks deeper explanations for human phonology. Though phonological theories are diverse, they contain recurrent axioms and atoms: segments, features, prosodic units, et cetera. We hypothesise that these units of representation are explicable in terms of the interaction of phonetics with resource limitations on human cognition (resource rationality). Separately, recent decades show that phonologies can be reasonably well modelled as optimisation problems, with optimisation imputed to the mind. We hypothesise that apparent optimisation, and its exceptions, arise because phonologies undergo cultural evolution, an optimising process. REVOLUPHON tests these hypotheses through computational modelling of cognition and cultural evolution, to develop new foundations for phonological theory.
Responsibilities: The candidate will be a member of a research team focused on achieving the REVOLUPHON project aims, and will have the opportunity to participate in the broader activities both of the REVOLUPHON group and of the Surrey Morphology Group (SMG). The position is part time (two days per week) and the successful candidate will be required to work on-site at the University of Surrey, Guildford for both days.
Application Documents:
- CV
- Contact details for 2 referees.
- DOI/URL links to up to three relevant works of research.
- Link to one or more public repositories illustrating coding work.
Research Fellow B in Linguistics in Guildford employer: University of Surrey
Contact Detail:
University of Surrey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow B in Linguistics in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former members of the Surrey Morphology Group. A friendly chat can give us insights into the team culture and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a short presentation or demo of your coding work related to linguistic phylogenetics. This can really impress during interviews and show us what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for questions about your research! Brush up on your previous works and be prepared to discuss how they relate to the REVOLUPHON project. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely engaged with our work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the University of Surrey.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow B in Linguistics in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tailored CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in linguistic phylogenetics and computational tool building. We want to see how your background aligns with the REVOLUPHON project, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Choose Your Referees Wisely: When listing your referees, pick people who know your work well and can speak to your abilities in research and collaboration. We’re looking for insights into your past projects, so make sure they’re ready to give us the lowdown!
Showcase Your Research: Include links to your best research works that relate to phonology or computational modelling. We love seeing your contributions, so make it easy for us to access your work by providing DOI/URL links!
Highlight Your Coding Skills: Don’t forget to include links to any public repositories that showcase your coding work. This is a key part of the role, and we want to see how you approach problem-solving through code!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Surrey
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and how it relates to the REVOLUPHON project. Be prepared to discuss your previous work, especially any computational modelling or phonological theories you've tackled. This will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Team
Take some time to learn about Prof Erich Round and the Surrey Morphology Group. Understanding their research focus and recent publications can help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re a good fit for their collaborative environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the REVOLUPHON project and the team’s future goals. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right opportunity for you.
✨Showcase Your Coding Skills
Since coding is a key part of this role, be ready to discuss your coding experience. Bring examples from your public repositories that illustrate your skills. If possible, prepare to talk through a piece of code or a project that highlights your problem-solving abilities in computational linguistics.