语义学和语用学方向博士职位

Institution/Organization: University of Konstanz

Level: PhD

Duties: Research, Project Work

Specialty Areas: Pragmatics; Psycholinguistics; Semantics Required Language(s): English (eng, stan1293) German (deu)

Description:

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Experimental Semantics and Pragmatics University of Konstanz (TV-L E13, 65%, until December 2029)

The newly established Collaborative Research Centre SFB 1760 “Silence, Noise and Signal in Language” at the University of Konstanz investigates the role of silence and noise in our capacity for perceiving, learning, and producing linguistic signals. The SFB brings together theoretical, experimental, computational, and empirical research in linguistics with projects from computer science, computational social science, media studies, and sociology. More information about the SFB and its scientific aims is available at: https://www.sfb1760.uni-konstanz.de/about-us/scientific-aim/

Within the SFB, project A05 “Silent common ground management through pragmatic inference” is seeking to fill a doctoral researcher position (TV-L E13, 65%), starting October 1, 2026 and funded until the end of 2029. The doctoral researcher will pursue a dissertation within the framework of the project under the supervision of Dr. Nadine Bade. More information about project A05 is available at: https://www.sfb1760.uni-konstanz.de/research-projects/project-group-a/a05-bade-silent-common-ground-management-through-pragmatic-inference/

Project A05 investigates how meaning is introduced *silently* into the common ground through two types of pragmatic inference: presuppositions and quantity implicatures. Both allow speakers to convey information without explicitly asserting it. The project examines how such inferred meaning is processed and used in decision-making, focusing on the conditions under which hearers treat inferred content as reliable and when they stop relying on it. Using controlled behavioral experiments, the project systematically investigates the role of linguistic factors, such as different presupposition triggers and the availability of alternatives, as well as cognitive factors, such as memory load and attention.

The project addresses four central research questions: What grammatical and contextual factors facilitate information-state updates through presupposition accommodation? To what extent does the cognitive effort associated with accommodation increase the persuasive potential of presuppositions? What factors influence perceived speaker commitment with regard to implicatures? And what role do communicative context and stake level play in the derivation of implicatures in decision-making contexts? The doctoral researcher will develop and test hypotheses related to these questions through experimental studies and will contribute to the theoretical development of the project. Candidates should hold an M.A. degree (or equivalent) in linguistics and have a strong background and research interest in semantics and/or pragmatics. An interest in experimental approaches to linguistic meaning is essential. Candidates should have a very good command of English; knowledge of German is desirable but not required. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills are expected. Knowledge of statistics and experience with behavioral experiments, reaction-time methods, eye-tracking, experiment programming, or related experimental methods are an advantage.

The position offers the opportunity to pursue a PhD within the interdisciplinary research environment of SFB 1760 “Silence, Noise and Signal in Language” at the University of Konstanz and to collaborate with researchers at doctoral, postdoctoral, and professorial levels. The University of Konstanz also provides extensive career development and equal-opportunity support. The salary follows the German public-sector collective agreement TV-L, pay grade E13 (65%). The position is available from October 1, 2026 until the end of 2029.

The University of Konstanz is committed to ensuring an environment that provides equal opportunities and promotes diversity as well as a good balance between university and family life. As an equal opportunity employer, the University strives to increase the number of women working in research and teaching. It also supports working couples through its dual career program. Persons with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply and will be given preference if appropriately qualified.

Application Deadline: 15-Sep-2026 Application Instructions: Applications should include (i) a short motivation letter of no more than one page, (ii) an academic CV, (iii) copies of all previous degrees, including detailed transcripts of records, and (iv) the names and email addresses of two academic referees.

Applications should be submitted by September 15, 2026 via email to [email protected] .

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Questions about the position can be directed to the same address.

Mailing Address for Applications: Germany Email Address for Applications: [email protected]