Diese Stelle ist in deinem Land nicht verfügbar.

Research Position in the Philosophy of Language (65 %)

Universität BielefeldBielefeld, Nordrhein-Westfalen

Vor 30+ Tagen

Stellenbeschreibung

The CRC 1646 is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and investigates linguistic creativity in communication from a range of different perspectives.

The research position is part of our research group within the philosophy of language and linguistics on 'open texture'. Similar to vagueness, open texture is the indeterminacy we often find when we consider whether a predicate applies to a new (or newly considered) object : Does 'sandwich' apply to burritos, does 'money' apply to bitcoin, do 'intelligence' and 'creativity' apply to generative AI systems? The straightforward answer appears to be : there is no fact of the matter here. Nothing in the established meaning of these predicates or the properties of these objects settles the application one way or the other – there is nothing for us to find out, we rather need to decide. If this is right, then our language is beset by a widespread indeterminacy besides vagueness, and we should inquire into its nature, grounds, and consequences. Combining approaches from semantics, pragmatics, and meta-semantics, this is precisely what our research project aims for.

In line with the general aim of the CRC 'Linguistic Creativity in Communication', of which our project figures as sub-project B05, we also aim to trace the foundational role of this phenomenon in the emergence of linguistic creativity.

Further details about our project can be found here :

Further information about the CRC in general can be found here :

Your Tasks Research Tasks (95 %)

develop a research project within the philosophy of language (or linguistics). Your project is expected to pertain to semantics, pragmatics, or meta-semantics, and to fit the general research outlook of our project on 'Open Texture'. The specific design of your project will be jointly developed by you together with Prof. Nimtz (Bielefeld) and Prof. Zakkou (Düsseldorf). We very much encourage you to contribute your own preferences, perspectives, and ideas.
pursue independent research within the developed research project

Other tasks (5 %) :

to actively collaborate with the other researchers within our project on 'Open Texture', to coordinate with Prof. Nimtz (Bielefeld) and Prof. Zakkou (Düsseldorf) to secure joint research results, and to play an active part within the “Research Group Theoretical Philosophy” at Bielefeld University

to co-organize the activities of our project of 'Open Texture', notably the planned workshops and our philosophical ‘think!lab’ on creativity in general

to participate in the activities of the CRC 1646, especially on a peer level

There are no teaching duties attached to the position. However, the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to teach as allowed by the regulations of the DFG.

Employment is conducive to scientific qualification.

We offer

salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L

fixed-term (limited until (§ 2 (1) and if applicable § 2 (2) of the WissZeitVG ; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)

part-time 65 %

internal and external training opportunities

variety of health, consulting and prevention services

reconcilability of family and work

flexible working hours

collegial working environment

exciting, varied tasks

Your Profile We expect

a scienftific university degree in philosophy (Magister, Staatsexamen, or some other relevant subject, notably linguistics

sufficient familiarity with the state of research, as well as with pertinent research methods, in one or more of following areas : meta-semantics, semantics, and pragmatics, from the perspective of philosophy of language and / or linguistics

strong interest in working in a philosophy of language research team

a clear ability and willingness to pursue research tailored to the international discussion in philosophy (or linguistics), and aiming at publications in international peer reviewed publications

a marked aptitude for conducting independent research, collaborative skills and competences (capacity for teamwork), and a clear willingness to actively participate in the CRC 1646 as well as in the 'Research Group Theoretical Philosophy'

a suitable proficiency in written and spoken English

Preferred experience and skills

an interest and willingness to work in a larger interdisciplinary research initiative

a basic knowledge of German or willingness to learn German

Application Procedure

We are looking forward to receiving your application. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below. Your application should include the following documents :

CV and a list of publications, if this applies

a two-page motivation letter

a writing sample that exemplifies your academic proficiency (MA thesis, paper manuscript, etc.)

up to two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to

copies of degree certificates and academic transcripts

application deadline : Contact

Prof. Dr. Christian Nimtz

Postal Address

Universität Bielefeld

Fakultät für Geschichte, Philosophie und Theologie

Dekanat

Postfach 10 01 31

33501 Bielefeld