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University or Organization: Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics Job Location: Nijmegen, Netherlands Web Address: http://www.mpi.nl/departments/language-and-genetics/projects/genetic-biasing-in-language-and-speechJob Rank: Post DocSpecialty Areas: Phonetics; Phonology; Psycholinguistics Description:The Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands, isa world leader in the multidisciplinary approaches to the study of language. Anew direction is represented by the effects of genes on language change andlinguistic diversity. The project “Genetic Biases in Speech and Language”awarded to Dr. Dan Dediu by the Netherlands Organization for ScientificResearch (NWO) will investigate the genetic influences on the speech organsand their effects on phonetics and phonology. While genes do not directly acton speech and language, they can influence language change through biasedcultural transmission across generations, playing a role in both linguisticuniversals and diversity. This is a highly inter-disciplinary project hostedby the Language and Genetics Department. More information can be found at theweb address above.Within this project, applications are invited for one full-time fixed-termpostdoctoral position for 2 years with a possibility of extension.Job description:The main focus will be on the identification and study of the parameters ofthe speech organs affecting cross-linguistic variation in phonetics andphonology, and will involve cross-disciplinary extensive literature reviews,experimental and computational work, and statistical data analysis usingcutting-edge methods. The successful candidate will be involved in all aspectsof the project, will actively participate in all its major stages, and willhelp supervising at least one PhD student.The successful candidate will be part of the Language and Genetics Departmentled by Prof. Simon Fisher, will closely collaborate with the Language andCognition Department led by Prof. Stephen Levinson, and will participate incross-disciplinary activities such as reading groups and workshops.Qualifications and background:Candidates should have a strong background in articulatory phonetics andspeech production, supported by a PhD in Linguistics, Speech Sciences orallied disciplines. It is essential to have good quantitative and dataanalysis skills, and experience with laboratory techniques concerning speechproduction represents a major advantage. Interests and experience withcomputer modeling, evolutionary biology and genetics are desirable.Salary and start date:The salary is according to the German TVöD and the applications will bereviewed on an on-going basis until the position is filled.Application procedure:Please include a cover letter highlighting your qualifications and motivation,a CV containing a publications list highlighting one or two representativepublications, a brief research statement and research plans, and the contactdetails of two referees. These should be sent as PDF documents by e-mail toMartina Bernhard at the application email address below.Application Deadline:  Mailing Address for Applications: Martina Bernhard Email Address for Applications: Martina.Bernhard@mpi.nl Contact Information:Martina Bernhard Email: Martina.Bernhard@mpi.nl