The project “Waxing and Waning Words: Lexical Variation and Change in Middle English” (WAW-ME), led by Prof. Dr. Olga Timofeeva/Co-I Dr. Annina Seiler Rübekeil and funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), invites applications for a post-doctoral position. This 80% position, based at the English Department of the University of Zurich, is limited to 48 months.

As a post-doctoral researcher, you will be responsible for conducting research culminating in a habilitation thesis, along with other publication goals including conference papers and articles. Your tasks will involve collecting lexical-semantic data from specified occupational domains, analyzing data based on various parameters, assessing the impact of borrowing from Latin and French, and contributing to the theorization of lexical standardization. Additionally, you will oversee the work of a doctoral student and student assistants.

Qualification: 

We seek a research team member with an outstanding PhD thesis in English historical linguistics (Old and/or Middle English). Candidates should demonstrate high motivation for research activities related to the WAW-ME project. A strong publication record in historical semantics and lexicology is essential, along with previous experience in historical corpus linguistics and database compilation. Familiarity with historical dictionaries, frame semantics, and variationist linguistics is preferred. Proficiency in English communication is required, while knowledge of German is desirable.

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, copies of relevant certificates, and contact information for two referees to [email address]. Please indicate “Application for Postdoc Position – WAW-ME Project” in the subject line.