PhD Position: Psycholinguistics and Language Change (FWF-START Project) University of Graz in Austria

The University of Graz invites applications for a PhD position (Projektassistent:in ohne Doktorat) at the Institute for Psychology, focusing on the FWF-START project "The emotions we speak: predicting language change from speakers’ emotional attitudes to grammatical structures using formal linguistic tools." This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, and generative linguistics, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and experimental approaches to language and emotion processing.

The successful candidate will engage in both independent and team-based research, plan and conduct scientific experiments, and contribute to publications related to the FWF-START project. The position also involves organizational and administrative tasks, as well as evaluation measures. The doctoral thesis will be developed in psycholinguistics, closely aligned with the project’s themes.

Applicants must hold a diploma or master's degree in psychology and demonstrate expertise in psychology, neurolinguistics, or psycholinguistics. Additional knowledge in generative linguistics and language/emotion processing is highly desirable. Candidates should be eager to learn experimental methods in language research and be open to interdisciplinary collaboration. Excellent organizational and teamwork skills, a self-driven work style, and proficiency in MS Office are required. For doctoral studies in psychology, a German language certificate at C1 level (GER C1) is mandatory if the doctorate is not completed in the native language.

The position offers a fixed-term contract for three years, with a workload of 30 hours per week. The annual gross salary (full-time) is at least €52,865.40, with the possibility of higher pay based on qualifications and experience. The University of Graz provides a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse work environment, with benefits such as flexible working hours, access to affordable sports courses, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Internal training opportunities and support for work-life balance are also available.

Application materials must include a cover letter, academic CV, a brief proposal for a dissertation topic (with flexibility for project alignment), proof of the required degree, proof of language proficiency, and two references (names and contact details). Applications are accepted exclusively via the university’s web-based applicant tool. The deadline for submission is March 25, 2026.

For further information, contact Professors Svitlana Antonyuk and Guilherme Wood. The University of Graz encourages applications from women and individuals with disabilities, and prioritizes qualified women in cases of underrepresentation.

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