PhD Candidate Within a Multi-methods Project on Negation Across Languages

Working at the UvA

Evolution and processing of languages with late negation

In this project you work in a small international team of (psycho)linguists and cognitive scientists on the evolution and processing of negation in language. Specifically, we investigate why most languages prefer to express the negator (‘not’) early rather than late in the utterance. You will learn to use multiple methods, including artificial language learning and EEG, collecting data from different language communities, including indigenous language speakers in Ecuador.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will be doing

• submission of a PhD thesis within the period of appointment;
• presenting intermediate research results at workshops and conferences;
• participation in the Research School and Faculty of Humanities PhD training programmes;
• (co-)teaching courses at BA-level in the second and third year of the appointment (maximum 0,2 fte per year);
• conduct field-based experiments in Ecuador;
• organising knowledge dissemination activities;
• participating in meetings and training sessions of the project research group.

This is what we ask of you

• a completed Master's degree in Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Psychology or similar;
• excellent research and academic English skills demonstrated by a Master thesis;
• strong interest in fieldwork/field-based experimental methods;
• (minimally) conversational proficiency in Spanish;
• a strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research.

Please note that if you already hold a doctorate/PhD or are working towards obtaining a similar degree elsewhere, you will not be admitted to a doctoral programme at the UvA.

Preferred additional qualifications:

Previous experience with experimental methods (artificial language learning, behavioural psycholinguistics, EEG).

This is what else we offer you

• We offer a temporary employment contract for the period of 48 months. The first contract will be for 16 months, with an extension for the following 32 months, contingent on a positive performance evaluation within the first 12 months. The preferred but negotiable starting date is 01 January 2027;
• Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €3.204 in the first year to €4.051 (scale P) in the last year. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD candidate applicable. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable;
• PhD candidates receive a tuition fee waiver;
• PhD candidates have free access to courses offered by the Graduate School of Humanities and the Dutch National Research Schools;
• Training in (field-based) EEG methods by the research team;
• Excellent possibilities for further professional development and education;
• An inspiring academic and international work environment in the heart of Amsterdam;
• An enthusiastic and professional academic team.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

This PhD position is part of an NWO-funded Open Competition Large project, led by two PIs: Eva van Lier and Marieke Schouwstra, affiliated with two research schools: the Amsterdam Center for Language and Communication (ACLC) and the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC). You will join the PhD community of the Amsterdam Center for Language and Communication. In addition, our research team includes international specialists in psycholinguistics (Sebastian Sauppe, Elisabeth Norcliffe) and a postdoc in linguistic typology.

About the Faculty of Humanities

From modern and classical languages, history, arts and culture, archaeology, religious studies and philosophy to new media, digital humanities, and conservation and restoration, the Faculty of Humanities encompasses a broad spectrum of innovative teaching and research. Based in the historic heart of Amsterdam, it maintains close ties with many partners in the cultural sector, society and the business community. In doing so, it forms part of a humanities hub of international standing.

Find out more about the Faculty of Humanities

Important to know

Your application & contact

Questions?

For questions about the position or department, you can contact us during office hours at:

Eva van Lier and/or Marieke Schouwstra

Application

If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application.

Your application should include the following information:

• a letter cover letter and full academic CV;
• a list of all Master-level modules you have taken, with an official transcript of grades;
• a writing sample (preferably your MA thesis);
• the names and email addresses of two references, including your advisor, who may be approached by the selection committee.

The vacancy closes on 12 October 2026. The first round of interviews will take place on 26-27 October 2026.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.