Post-Doctoral position - Department of Linguistics

Position Overview

Salary range: $66,737 - $71,769

Open date: May 28, 2025

Most recent review date: Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

We are looking to recruit a postdoctoral scholar for a position in an NSF‑funded research project entitled "Generalization versus item‑specificity in language processing and change". The goal of the project is to quantify how human language processing relies on both productive language knowledge and knowledge of specific previously‑encountered items. The position includes corpus analysis, running behavioral psycho linguistic experiments, and computational modeling of language data.

We are seeking candidates with strong experimental, quantitative and/or computational training in linguistics, psychology, cognitive science, or a related field. Computer/information scientists with interest in human behavior are also welcome to apply. The postdoctoral scholar will work closely with PI Emily Morgan. The position will be based at UC Davis.

Applicants should submit a CV, 1‑2 writing samples, and a statement describing your research interests and experience (as well as any other qualifications you wish to highlight).

The target start date is October 1, 2025 with some flexibility. The position is for one year. A reasonable estimated salary range for this position is $66,737 – $71,769.

Basic qualifications:

• PhD in Linguistics, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related field
• A PhD is required to start the position but not required at time of application
• Excellent research track record
• Excellent writing skills
• Experience in computational and statistical methods and analyses
• Experience in programming
• A track record of independent initiative in research

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with psycho linguistic experiments
• Experience with natural language processing
• Advanced skills in computational and statistical methods and analyses
• Excellent oral communication skills
• Experience in mentoring
• Familiarity with relevant literature on generalization and item‑specific knowledge

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Statement of Research
• Writing Sample
• Writing Sample 2 (Optional)
• Authorization to Release Information Form – required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

Reference requirements: 3‑5 required (contact information only).

Apply link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
07123

Help contact: aychang

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035:
  Affi­mative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the…