Postdoctoral Researchers in Cognitive Anthropology, Archaeology and Linguistics

University of Zürich Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution

The Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (University of Zurich) invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in Cognitive Anthropology, Cognitive Archaeology or Comparative Linguistics.

Your responsibilities

The positions will contribute to an interdisciplinary project investigating the history of abstract concepts in the cultures of Australia and Papua, as described in this announcement.

The project is situated in the Anthropological Linguistics Group at ISLE, and will also be connected with a much broader research consortium, the NCCR Evolving Language.

These are 80% FTE positions, which include 20% teaching. The positions are offered as a one-year contract, with a potential extension by agreement to up to three years total. Start of employment 1 September 2026 or by arrangement, temporary.

Your profile

You have a solid background, including PhD and journal publications, in a relevant discipline such as anthropology, archaeology, or linguistics. You have a demonstrated interest in culturally specific cognition, semantics and cultural history. You also have strong data science skills, likely including Bayesian statistics. Phylogenetic inference, and phylogeographic reconstruction will be important for at least one of the two positions.

You will be joining a team of outstanding researchers, emphasising teamwork and interdisciplinarity. Excellent communication and teamwork are essential. Good oral and written communication in English is required.

Information on your application

Review of applications will begin on 6 April, and continue until the position is filled.

To apply, please prepare the following documents:

• A cover letter (1-2 pages) describing your previous experience and research interests, with a motivation to apply for the present position (PDF upload)
• A CV, including a publication list (PDF upload)
• Contact information (name, position, and e-mail addresses) of two references
• One or two writing samples/publications that demonstrate your qualifications for the position (PDF upload)

For further information, please contact John Mansfield (john.mansfield@uzh.ch).

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
• Special conditions on hotel reservations

Location

The Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (ISLE)

Affolternstrasse 56, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland