PhD in Language

Are you looking for a challenging position in an interdisciplinary environment? The Institute for Logic, Language and Computation  (ILLC)  currently has a vacant PhD position in Logic and Language as part of the project Nothing is Logical (Nihil), led by dr. Maria Aloni. The ILLC is a research institute at the UvA in which researchers from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Humanities collaborate.

The Nihil project studies cases of divergence between every day and logical-mathematical reasoning under the hypothesis that they are a straightforward consequence of a tendency in human cognition to neglect empty representations (neglect-zero tendency). In the project we (i) develop logics which formally represent the neglect-zero tendency and rigorously study its impact on interpretation [logic]; (ii) explore possible conventionalizations of neglect-zero effects in specific linguistic domains [language]; and (iii) experimentally investigate the impact of neglect-zero in ordinary reasoning and its conjectured suspension, for example, in the context of a mathematical proof [cognition].

The PhD candidate will contribute to task (ii) [language] combining insights and techniques from logic, linguistics and philosophy.  The candidate will work in close collaboration with other project members who will focus more on logical and cognitive aspects of the neglect-zero tendency (tasks (i) and (iii)). A more detailed description of the project can be found here: https://www.marialoni.org/Nihil

We are simultaneously looking for a PhD candidate in Logic on the same project: PhD in Logic (uva.nl) .

The Nihil project is funded by an NWO Open Competition grant with Dr. Maria Aloni as project leader. 

What are you going to do?

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Independently carrying out research, including writing and publishing peer-reviewed articles;
• Regularly presenting research results at international workshops and conferences;
• Submitting a PhD thesis within the period of appointment;
• Participating in the PhD programme of the ILLC;
• Participating in meetings and events organized within the Nihil project;
• Participating in and contributing to the organisation of research activities and events at the UvA philosophy department and at the ILLC, such as reading groups, workshops and colloquia;
• Making a contribution to the UvA educational mission by working as a teaching assistant for courses in your area of expertise and by assisting with the supervision of student research projects.

What do you have to offer?

What do we require of you:  

• a completed Master’s degree in logic or a related field. You may apply if you have not yet completed your Master’s degree only if you provide a signed letter from your supervisor stating that you will graduate before 01 September 2023 (the start of your contract will be adjusted accordingly);
• a strong background in formal semantics;
• a serious interest in pursuing research in logic applied to phenomena in natural language and cognition;
• expertise or the willingness to acquire expertise in experimental methods;
• an excellent academic track record;
• a strong cooperative attitude and willingness to engage in collaborative research;
• the ability to finish the PhD thesis in four years (i.e., good skills in planning, taking initiative, and academic writing);
• full professional proficiency in spoken and written English.

Please note that knowledge of the Dutch language is not required for this position, nor is it required for being able to live in Amsterdam. However, if you wish, as a PhD candidate at the ILLC you will have the opportunity to attend Dutch language classes. 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.

What can 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 employment contract is for 38 hours a week. The preferred starting date is 1 January 2023.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week, ranges from € 2,541in the first year up to a maximum of € 3,247 in the final year. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Humanities provides education and conducts research with a strong international profile in a large number of disciplines in the field of language and culture. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the faculty maintains close ties with many cultural institutes in the capital city. Research and teaching staff focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and are active in several teaching programmes.

The Institute for Logic, Language and Computation  (ILLC) is a research institute at the UvA in which researchers from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Humanities collaborate. Its central research area is the study of fundamental principles of encoding, transmission and comprehension of information. Research at ILLC is interdisciplinary, and aims at bringing together insights from various disciplines concerned with information and information processing, such as logic, mathematics, computer science, linguistics, natural language processing, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, music cognition, and philosophy.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the link below. The deadline for applying for this vacancy is 31 October 2022.

Applications should include the following information (submitted in one .pdf ):

• A letter of motivation (max one page, font size 12) explaining why you are a good fit to this position.
• A full academic CV (max two pages, font size 12) including a link to a writing sample.
• A list of all Bachelor and Master-level modules you have taken, with an official transcript of grades.
• The names and contact details of two references, including your thesis advisor, who may be approached by the selection committee.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held in November 2022.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Departmen t  directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

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