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The role
Postdoctoral position in computational phonology on "Rational Evolutionary Phonology"
Prof Erich Round is seeking qualified applicants for a fully-funded two-year postdoctoral project on “REVOLUPHON: Rational Evolutionary Phonology". This postdoctoral project contributes to the core formal-theoretic and cognitive modelling components in the ERC-selected, UKRI-funded project "Rational Evolutionary Phonology", led by Erich Round in 2024–2029.
The position is based at the Surrey Morphology Group at the University of Surrey and provides the opportunity to work in the vibrant and highly collegial research environment for which SMG is renowned.
Background
REVOLUPHON is an ambitious project in computational cognitive science, cultural evolution and phonological theory, which seeks deeper explanations for human phonology. Though phonological theories are diverse, they contain recurrent axioms and atoms: segments, features, prosodic units, et cetera. We hypothesise that these units of representation are explicable in terms of the interaction of phonetics with resource limitations on human cognition (resource rationality). Separately, recent decades show that phonologies can be reasonably well modelled as optimisation problems, with optimisation imputed to the mind. We hypothesise that apparent optimisation, and its exceptions, arise because phonologies undergo cultural evolution, an optimising process. REVOLUPHON tests these hypotheses through computational modelling of cognition and cultural evolution, to develop new foundations for phonological theory.
Responsibilities
The candidate will be a core member of a research team focused on achieving the REVOLUPHON project aims and will participate in the broader activities both of the REVOLUPHON group and of the Surrey Morphology Group (SMG). The candidate will have opportunities at SMG to develop their research leadership profile while interacting with world-class researchers. Please refer to the full job description, under ‘Addendum’ for key responsibilities.
About you
Suitable candidates trained in theoretical and computational phonology are strongly encouraged to apply. Please refer to the full job description, under ‘Addendum’ for essential and desirable criteria.
The position is full time, and the successful candidate will be required to work on-site at the University of Surrey, Guildford for three days per week.
How to apply
To apply, please upload a CV along with your application to the University website. You will also be asked some brief questions to help us understand your suitability for the role.
The following documents will be required:
- CV
- Contact details for 2 referees.
- DOI/URL links to up to three relevant works of research.
- Link to one or more public repositories illustrating coding work.
- Research statement max. 400 words, describing research interests and experience.