Position Description

The Department of Linguistics at the University of Chicago invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position. The Postdoctoral Scholar will join a dynamic research group, the Speech Perception and Production Lab, which focuses how individuals perceive and produce speech, with a special focus on communication across individuals with different language backgrounds. We conduct psycholinguistic and laboratory phonology experiments in speech perception and production, as well as acoustic-phonetic analyses of speech. The Postdoctoral Scholar’s primary responsibilities include setting up and performing experiments, collecting, maintaining and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, assisting with preparing reports, manuscripts, and other documents, interacting with students and other laboratory staff in collaboration with the principal investigator (Dr. Melissa Baese-Berk). Other responsibilities may include the following duties: assisting in recruiting, scheduling, and supervising research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. This position is a full-time research position, and there are no teaching responsibilities associated with it.

The expected start date is September 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter, with an initial term of appointment until August 31, 2025. Reappointment is possible up to three total years. This is a benefits-eligible position.

Qualifications

Competitive applicants must have (i) a relevant PhD in Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Psychology, the Speech Sciences, or a related field; (ii) a strong background in phonetics, psycholinguistics, and laboratory phonology. The applicant should have good writing skills and strong publication records; and potential to develop independent research initiatives and obtain further grant funding. Preferred qualifications include prior experience with data collection and analysis of both acoustic and perception data, as well as experience in supervising research assistants and students.

The successful candidate must have completed all requirements for receipt of a Ph.D. by the start of the appointment.

Application Instructions

Applications must be emailed to Melissa Baese-Berk (mmbb@uchicago.edu)

1. Cover letter explaining qualifications for the position (maximum of two pages)

2. Two representative publications, or writing samples

3. Curriculum Vita (CV)

4. Contact information for two references (letters will be requested for finalists only)

Review of applications will begin on April 5, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled or the posting is closed. Applicants may be asked to provide additional material following the initial review.

This position is contingent on budgetary approval.

Enquiries and applications should be directed to Dr. Melissa Baese-Berk at mmbb@uchicago.edu. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.