Postdoctoral Researcher in Crosslinguistic Negation Typology at Universiteit van Amsterdam

Are you an experienced linguistic typologist with a strong interest in interdisciplinary approaches to cross-linguistic research? If so, we invite you to apply for a postdoctoral position in our multi-methods project on negation across languages.

Working at the UvA

Come work with us in a small international team of (psycho)linguists and cognitive scientists focusing on the evolution and processing of negation in language. Together, we will investigate the cognitive reasons behind the preference for early expression of negation in most languages. You will collaborate with one of the PIs and another part-time postdoctoral researcher to conduct a typological study on languages with and without late negation, particularly focusing on languages from Papua, South America, and sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, you will contribute to a multi-methods project that includes artificial language learning, EEG studies, and field-based experiments with speakers of Cha’palaa, an indigenous language of Ecuador.

What We Offer

A competitive salary based on experience and seniority, in line with the Labour agreement.
232 vacation hours, along with parental leave, partner leave, and social engagement leave. Opportunities for additional vacation hours through the Employment Conditions Menu Card.
Holiday allowance (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%). You will also build a solid pension with ABP and have access to various allowances and schemes.
Professional development opportunities through training courses and open UvA lectures.
Support for relocating to the Netherlands with your family, including information on daycare, schooling, health insurance, and partner employment options.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct qualitative and quantitative typological research on the typology of (early/late) negation and its structural correlates, in collaboration with one of the PIs and another part-time postdoctoral researcher.
Work with the team (another PI, PhD candidate, and external partner) on interdisciplinary projects, including (field-based) psycholinguistic experiments.
Co-author at least three papers and compile a typological database.
Co-organize and contribute to a summer school and a workshop.

Requirements

PhD in a relevant field: (morpho-syntactic/semantic) typology, cross-linguistic psycholinguistics.
Experience with the structure of non-WEIRD languages, particularly those from South America, Papua, and/or sub-Saharan Africa.
Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative approaches to cross-linguistic variation.
Demonstrated affinity for interdisciplinary and (field-based) experimental approaches.
A cooperative attitude and excellent communication skills.
Proficiency in (academic) English; optional working knowledge of Spanish is a plus.

Additional Information

The employment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension for two more years based on positive performance evaluation. The preferred starting date is 01 March 2027. Depending on relevant experience, the starting salary will range from €3,706 to €5,760 gross per month for a full-time position (38 hours per week). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities applies.

Your Place at the UvA

This postdoctoral position is part of an NWO-funded Open Competition Large project led by two PIs: Eva van Lier and Marieke Schouwstra, affiliated with the Amsterdam Center for Language and Communication (ACLC) and the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC). Our research team also includes another (part-time) postdoc, a PhD candidate, and an international specialist in psycholinguistics.

About The Faculty Of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities at UvA encompasses a broad spectrum of innovative teaching and research, ranging from modern and classical languages to digital humanities and conservation. Located in the historic heart of Amsterdam, it maintains strong ties with various partners in the cultural sector, society, and the business community.

Important to Know

For questions about the position or department, please contact Eva van Lier (e.h.vanlier@uva.nl) or Marieke Schouwstra (m.schouwstra@uva.nl).

If you see yourself in this profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application. The vacancy closes on 9 November 2026, and the first round of interviews will take place on 7 December 2026.

The UvA values diversity and is committed to being a welcoming environment for everyone. We encourage applications from individuals who meet the educational requirements, even if they do not meet all the requested experience.