full-time assistantship in Historical Sociolinguistics

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

The Faculty of Arts of the University of Lausanne invites applications for a full-time assistantship in Historical Sociolinguistics combined with Phonetics/Phonology and/or a focus on Multilingualism in the Department of English.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 1 August 2026

Contract length : 1 year, renewable 2 x 2 years, maximum 5 years

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : Lausanne-Dorigny

Your responsibilities

- 50% min. doctoral research (PhD thesis under co-supervision)
- 50% max. teaching and administration
The appointee will be expected to
•    Conduct research (50% time) and complete a PhD thesis in the field of historical sociolinguistics combined with phonetics/phonology and/or a focus on multilingualism;
•    Teach tutorials as part of the BA first-year module “Introduction to English Language and Linguistics” or a BA seminar on a more advanced level (second part), under the responsibility of a senior member of staff; 
•    Participate in administrative tasks and contribute to the academic environment of the English Department;
•    Work as an editorial assistant for the Journal of Historical Sociolinguistics.

Your qualifications

•    The candidate should have an MA in English language and linguistics and/or general linguistics (diploma obtained by the start date of the position);
•    The candidate should have received academic training in the field of historical sociolinguistics and phonetics/phonology and/or multilingualism; 
•    Some early research experience (incl. publications or conference papers) are an advantage; 
•    It is essential that that the appointee has a keen interest in academic teaching;
•    Working knowledge of French should be acquired within two years; 
•    The candidate should be able to collaborate with other disciplines;
•    The candidate should have experience working successfully in teams and independently.

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment. Opportunities for professional training, a lot of activities and other benefits to discover.

Contact for further information

Please contact: Anita Auer, Professor of English Linguistics (E-Mail schreiben) and Esther de Leeuw, Professor of Multilingualism and Language Acquisition (E-Mail schreiben).

Your application

Deadline for applications : 31 March 2026

Applications should include: a curriculum vitae (including the names of 2 referees), a cover letter, a copy of your most recent university degree(s) or diplomas, a copy of a pre-doctoral project (MA essay, MA/MPhil thesis or chapters thereof), and a 2-page PhD proposal anchored in historical sociolinguistics combined with phonetics/phonology and/or a focus on multilingualism.*

*This brief presentation of a thesis project (maximum 2 A4 pages) is a declaration of intent; it should not be confused with the “Thesis Project” (approximately ten pages) which will be written during the first year of assistantship and which will be submitted to the Dean's Office during formal registration for the doctorate.
 
Please send your full application in PDF.
Only applications through this website will be taken into account.
We thank you for your understanding

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
•    supporting early career researchers.

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