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Uni-Tübingen

06.10.2025

PhD Researcher (m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 75%)

Faculty of Humanities, Department of Linguistics

Bewerbungsfrist: 10.11.2025

The following position is available at the Department of Linguistics of the Faculty of Humanities.

PhD Researcher in
Language Evolution / Computational Modeling / Primate Communication (m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 75%)

The position will be filled for a fixed term until June 2029. Payment is at 75% of salary scale E13. Starting date could be January 1st, 2026, but is negotiable within reasonable limits.

The project investigates the role of common ground in linguistic communication from the point of view of language evolution . The notion of common ground plays a central role in the analysis of human linguistic communication, e.g., underpinning theories of pragmatic language use. This project is contributing to an active and growing research program investigating how human pragmatic reasoning could have evolved from prior modes of communicative interaction, such as found in communicative behavior of great apes. The project, while anchored in linguistics and philosophy of language, seeks to use bespoke probabilistic models and/or computational simulations to study possible routes of the evolution of human pragmatic practices. As a starting point, the project seeks to develop and test models of multimodal communication in great apes (e.g., gestures, vocalizations, and facial expressions) and of the role of context in primate communication (e.g., physical and social context, prior interactions, rank differences, and kin relationships). We will explore the implied cognitive complexity of great ape communication to identify evolutionary trends and simulate dynamics that might explain the evolution of (pragmatic reasoning about) common ground in humans.

Requirements for employment are a completed M.A. or equivalent in a relevant field (Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Biology, Psychology, Evolutionary Anthropology, Philosophy, or similar), near native-level of spoken and written English, and robust conceptual and analytical skills, as documented through course work or research projects. Interest and ability to engage in computational and mathematical modeling is very important as well. Ideally, the successful candidate will need to bring prior knowledge of at least one of the following areas: theoretical linguistics or philosophy of language (with a focus on linguistic communication or theories of common ground), theoretical biology / animal communication (ideally primates), mathematical evolutionary modeling (game theory, dynamical systems, agent-based simulations or other), bespoke probabilistic modeling / (Bayesian) data analysis (e.g., in the Rational Speech Act framework). Willingness to learn is expected, and the project provides ample of opportunities for acquiring novel skills and interdisciplinary perspectives. The ability to work in a diverse, multi-national team is required. In particular, the successful candidate will collaborate closely with a second PhD candidate in the project who will be working on collecting, annotating and analyzing primate communication data.

The position is associated with the project "Modeling Great Ape Signaling Behavior" under the auspices of the Collaborative Research Center "Common Ground" (CRC1718) , funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The project is led by Principal Investigators Prof. Dr. Michael Franke , Dr. Marlen Fröhlich (both Tübingen ) and Prof. Dr. Manuel Bohn ( Lüneburg ). The project offers a cohesive, diverse and inter-disciplinary research environment focused on linguistic communication. The project offers many opportunities for forward-looking research and the acquisition of new skills and research methods (e.g., statistical data analysis, evolutionary game theory).

The University of Tübingen seeks to raise the number of women in research and teaching and therefore urges qualified women academics to apply for these positions. Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference in the hiring process. The University of Tübingen is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. It therefore takes individual situations into account and asks for relevant information. The employment will be handled by the central administration of the University of Tübingen .

Please send your application together with the required documents (motivation letter summarizing your research experience and interests, extensive CV, list of publications, contact details of three potential referees) by November 10th, 2025 to Prof. Dr. Michael Franke , sekretariat.pragmatik spam prevention @semsprach.uni- tuebingen.de . Project-related enquiries may also be sent to this address.

General information on hiring processes and the German academic system can be found here.

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