Jeroen Van Craenenbroeck

This postdoctoral position at KU Leuven is part of the CatCAD project, which investigates categories and categorization in Afrikaans and Dutch, focusing on the linguistic units known as nouns and verbs. The research is conducted within the Formal and Computational Linguistics (ComForT) group and the Center for Research in Syntax, Semantics, and Phonology (CRISSP). The project aims to determine whether nouns and verbs can be decomposed into smaller grammatical primitives, using nominal and verbal morphology as the primary lens. The research involves a detailed comparison of Afrikaans and Dutch, two closely related West Germanic languages that differ significantly in their morphology, lexicon, language contact situations, and levels of bi/multilingualism among speakers. CatCAD is structured into two main work packages—one focusing on verbal morphology and the other on nominal morphology—with a third package integrating insights to develop an overarching theory of categorization. The postdoctoral researcher will concentrate on Afrikaans, while a PhD student will focus on Dutch. The position offers a stimulating intellectual environment that encourages creativity and independence, with strong support for academic development. The contract is for two years at 80% employment, with remuneration based on Belgian academic scales, providing internationally competitive pay. The successful candidate must hold a PhD in Linguistics, have native or near-native fluency in Afrikaans, excellent analytical and English language skills, a strong publication record, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. The researcher will be based in Leuven, with frequent activities in Brussels, and must reside in Belgium. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Applications require a motivation letter, CV, and a sample of academic writing. For further details, candidates can contact Prof. dr. Jeroen Van Craenenbroeck.

KU Leuven’s research group Formal and Computational Linguistics (ComForT) and the Center for Research in Syntax, Semantics, and Phonology (CRISSP) invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher in formal linguistics, focusing on Afrikaans derivational morphology. The successful candidate will join the CatCAD project, which investigates the decomposition of nouns and verbs into grammatical primitives, with a comparative approach to Afrikaans and Dutch. The project aims to advance theoretical understanding of nominal and verbal categorization, drawing on typological and formal research, and examining language contact, multilingualism, and morphological variation. The CatCAD team includes leading scholars such as Prof. dr. Jeroen Van Craenenbroeck, Theresa Biberauer (Cambridge/Stellenbosch), Cora Cavirani-Pots (Cambridge), and Fien Croux (PhD student). The postdoctoral researcher will focus primarily on Afrikaans, while the PhD student will concentrate on Dutch. The position offers a stimulating academic environment that encourages intellectual creativity, independence, and collaboration, with strong support for research activities and professional development. This is a two-year postdoctoral position at 80% employment, based in Leuven with frequent activities in Brussels. Remuneration follows the official Belgian scales for academic personnel and bursaries, providing internationally competitive pay. Depending on the candidate’s profile, the contract may be as a Postdoctoral scholarship holder in international mobility or as a Research associate. The starting date is flexible, and the researcher must reside in Belgium during the appointment. Applicants should hold a PhD in Linguistics, demonstrate native or near-native fluency in Afrikaans, and possess excellent analytical and research skills. Fluency in English, a strong publication record, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential. The role requires a keen interest in advanced linguistic theorizing and the ability to relate complex language data to theoretical frameworks. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, fostering a respectful and socially safe environment for all researchers. For accessibility or support questions, assistance is available via the provided contact email. To apply, submit a motivation letter, CV, and a sample of academic writing through the KU Leuven jobsite. For further details, consult the project description and contact Prof. dr. Jeroen Van Craenenbroeck at [email protected].