PhD Positions (2) in Evolutionary Phonological Typology

The Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (ISLE) at the University of Zurich invites applications for two (2) 4-year PhD Researcher positions focusing on (1) the evolution of phonological processes and (2) computational models of sound change. The positions are associated with the research project "Uncovering the dynamics of sound patterns: phylogenetic approaches to phonological typology" funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

This project seeks to fill in the gaps in our understanding of the forces, both language-internal and language-external, that shape the evolution of sound patterns across languages, further integrating the subfield of phonological typology with evolutionary linguistics, a burgeoning research area that draws upon methods from computational biology and other disciplines in order to investigate a wide variety of questions regarding linguistic change.

The ISLE at the University of Zurich plays an important role in the activities of the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) Evolving Language, and fosters a vibrant environment that facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration.

PhD candidate 1 (processes) will collect cross-linguistic data on synchronic phonological processes (e.g., assimilation, devoicing, etc.) from grammars and other sources that can be analyzed using phylogenetic methods, in order to address questions about the diachronic dynamics (e.g., stability) of these phenomena.

PhD candidate 2 (change) will develop and refine computational models of sound change and word-form reconstruction, with an eye to resolving outstanding questions in diachronic linguistics.

Employment is at 80% FTE and includes within this about 10% teaching assistant tasks. The position is a training opportunity and you are expected to use the remaining unpaid 20% for your own further training and skill development. The salary is internationally competitive and follows standards set by the Swiss National Science Foundation, see Salary ranges, guidelines for employees in SNSF-funded projects (PDF).  

The position is offered as a one-year contract, renewable for up to four years based on performance.  

For both PhD positions, strong technical skills are expected, along with experience with one or more probabilistic programming languages. Knowledge of Bayesian phylogenetic methods (or willingness to acquire it) is highly desirable. Ideally, both candidates have a background in phonetics, phonology, and/or historical linguistics. 

We greatly value team science, and you are expected to have excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

ISLE Institute, Affolternstrasse 56, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland.

1 September 2026 or by arrangement

APPLY HERE

For consideration, the following documents should be compiled into a single PDF titled “DynamicsofSoundPatterns-YourSurname-PhD-Processes.pdf” (for PhD position 1) or “DynamicsofSoundPatterns-YourSurname-PhD-Change.pdf” (for PhD position 2):

• a cover letter including a statement of motivation and qualifications (max 3 pp.)
• curriculum vitae
• contact information for two referees
• one sample of written work (for PhD applications, ideally an MA thesis summary or draft)
• transcripts of bachelor’s and master’s courses

We will start reviewing applications on June 1, 2026.

For questions please contact Chundra Cathcart at chundra.cathcart@uzh.ch