Research Position (m/f/d) in General Linguistics

The Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies has the following job opening:

Research Position (m/f/d) in General Linguistics

ID: Wiss26116

• starting: as soon as possible
• part-time 65 %
• salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
• fixed-term

The Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies is seeking to fill a part-time (65%) position as a research assistant in the field of General Linguistics as soon as possible. The advertized position is part of the research project „Systemic Robustness Assessments of Language Models for Cross-Linguistic Research using Formally Related Structures“ (FORESTS; PIs: Jutta M. Hartmann, Anke Himmelreich, Sina Zarrieß) with the DFG-Priority Program „Robust Assessment & Safe Applicability of Language Modelling: Foundations for a New Field of Language Science & Technology (LaSTing)“ (SPP 2556). FORESTS aims to develop a new interdisciplinary approach to using language models (=LMs) as tools for comparative linguistic research and linguistic theories as tools for assessing the systemic robustness of LMs. For more details on the project FORESTS and the SPP LaSTing, see https://clause-bielefeld.github.io/projects/.

The project offers a position as a research assistant in the area of theoretical linguistics. Within the field of General Linguistics, Bielefeld focuses on comparative linguistics and the connection of theoretically motivated research in the framework of Generative Grammar with empirical methods. 

Bielefeld University offers an inspiring research environment with many possibilities for collaborations in the areas of Linguistics, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Humanities. Bielefeld University additionally offers various possibilities for intra- and interdisciplinary networking (for example with the current Collaborative Research Center 1646 „Linguistic Creativity in Communication“) as well as a diverse range of gaining additional qualifications.

Your Tasks

• research tasks (95 %):
  • scientific research in the project FORESTS with a focus on the theoretical and empirical investigation of extraction phenomena, which ideally also forms the basis for further scientific qualification in the form of a doctorate
  • close collaboration with the second open position in the project in the field of computational linguistics
  • networking within the SPP 2556
  • presentation of project results at national and international conference and contribution to project publications
• participation in the project organization and self-administration (5 %)

Employment is conducive to scientific qualification and provides the opportunity for further academic development.

We offer

• salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
• fixed-term (3 years) (§ 2 (1) 1 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
• 30 days holiday and additional days off on 24.12. and 31.12.
• good transport connection
• supplementary company pension
• collegial working environment
• open and pleasant working atmosphere
• exciting, varied tasks
• modern work environment with digital processes
• various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, Uni-Shop, ATM, etc.)

Your Profile

We expect

• relevant, successfully completed scientific university degree (for example master or diploma) with a focus on linguistics and formal syntax. We are happy to receive applications by people who have not yet finished their scientific university degree by the time of application but expect to be finished by the time of hiring.
• very good written and spoken English language skills
• cooperative and team-oriented working style
• independent, self-reliant and dedicated style of work
• strong organizational and coordination skills
• good communication skills
• strong presentation and moderation skills

Preferred experience and skills

• expertise in the syntax of a non-Germanic language, ideally Italian
• expertise in experimental syntax
• basic knowledge in the empirical or theoretical research of the parasitic gap construction or the willingness to familiarize oneself with the research
• basic knowledge of computational linguistics or the scientific study of Language Models (LMs) or the willingness to familiarize oneself with the research 

Application Procedure

We are looking forward to receiving your application (in German or English) with the following documents: 

• CV
• two-page motivation letter in which you describe how you think that your skills and expertise can contribute to the project
• written academic paper (master thesis, bachelor thesis, other qualifying paper, publication)
• up to two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to jutta-maria.hartmann@uni- bielefeld.de
• copies of degree certificates and academic transcripts  
   

To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.

application deadline: 29.06.2026

Bielefeld University has received a number of awards for its achievements as an equal-opportunity employer and has been
recognized as a family-friendly university. The university welcomes applications from women. This is particularly true with regard
both to academic and technical posts as well as positions in information technology as well as the skilled crafts and trades.
Applications are handled according to the provisions of the state statutes on equal opportunity. Applications from suitably qualified
handicapped and severely handicapped persons are explicitly encouraged.

At Bielefeld University on request positions can be carried out with reduced working hours as long as this does not conflict with official needs.