Department of Linguistics and Philology

Five PhD positions on the theme of linguistic diversity at the Department of Linguistics and Philology

Do you want to attend graduate education with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favorable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a PhD student position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Linguistics and Philology conducts research and offers education in language studies and philology with a focus on the languages and cultures of Asia, the classical languages of Europe, general linguistics, and computational linguistics. Education is offered at basic, advanced, and doctoral levels. Some eighty people are employed by the department. Together with students and partners, they create a multicultural and intellectually vibrant environment.

The doctoral studies correspond to 4 years of full-time work, for which the PhD student receives a salary as an employee at the department. The PhD student is expected to conduct studies and research full-time as well as participate in and contribute to the department’s activities. Teaching and/or administrative duties may add up to 20%, whereby the employment is extended by the corresponding time.

Duties

The doctoral studies will be conducted within the framework of one of the department’s doctoral programmes on the theme of linguistic diversity. The study of linguistic, textual, and literary diversity is of profound scholarly importance, providing critical insights into human language, cognition, and culture. It is essential not only for learning and preserving languages but also for understanding and respecting the diverse ways in which people perceive and interact with the world. At the Faculty of Languages, we wish to advance research at the intersection between linguistic, social, and cultural practices. We welcome projects that indicate innovative research in linguistics, philology, and literary studies, particularly those that transcend linguistic boundaries and embrace interdisciplinary approaches.

Our key research areas include, but are not limited to:

  • Computational Linguistics
  • Digital Philology
  • Historical and Comparative Linguistics
  • Language Acquisition
  • Language Documentation
  • Language Policy
  • Language Typology
  • Literary Studies
  • Translation Studies

The institution’s general study plans: Computational LinguisticsGreek and Greek with specialisation in ByzantinologyIndology and Indology with specialisation in Comparative Indo-European LinguisticsIranian LanguagesLatinLinguisticsSemitic Languages and Semitic Languages with specialisation in Assyriology, SinologyTurkic Languages.

Requirements

  • hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in languages or linguistics or an equivalent subject which provides a good basis for third-cycle education in the relevant area
  • completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at second-cycle level including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits, or
  • acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other documented way.

Additional qualifications

Applicants should have a solid competence in the traditional linguistic or philological methods relevant to the proposed research field and be up to date with digital tools and research methods.

Application procedure

The application should include:

  • CV (maximum 2 pages).
  • A letter where the applicant briefly describes themselves and their research interest.
  • A plan for the graduate project, in a maximum of 3 pages.
  • Copies of degrees and grades.
  • MA thesis and publications (if applicable).
  • Other relevant documents.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University’s rules and guidelines.