PhD Research Fellow – Linguistics (Category Shifts Project)

About the role

The University of Agder’s Faculty of Humanities and Education invites applications for a full‑time PhD Research Fellow in linguistics. The position is part of the Category Shifts (CatS) project (2026‑2030) and will be based at the Kristiansand campus.

Key responsibilities

• Collect and analyse linguistic data for one of the target languages (Norwegian, Spanish, Polish, or a classifier language such as Vietnamese, Thai or Chinese).
• Collaborate with a research assistant on a second project language.
• Contribute to the development of a formal theory linking semantic, pragmatic and morphosyntactic properties of category shifts.
• Participate in regular project meetings, workshops and academic conferences.
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at international venues.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in linguistics, language studies or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with generative, cognitive‑functional, or related linguistic approaches.
• Strong command of written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in at least one of the project languages (Norwegian, Spanish, Polish, or a classifier language).
• Eligibility for admission to UiA’s PhD programme in Humanities and Education.

Required skills

• Data collection and linguistic analysis.
• Familiarity with theoretical frameworks in generative, cognitive or functional linguistics.

What we offer

• A three‑year fixed‑term contract (100% full‑time) with access to university resources.
• Opportunity to work within an interdisciplinary, international research team.
• Support for conference travel, publications and doctoral training.