3 Postdoctoral Researchers (f/m/x) Department of Linguistics - Köln

Faculty of Arts and Humanities
3 Postdoctoral Researchers (f/m/x)

Department of Linguistics

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The Department of Linguistics and its departments specializing in General Linguistics, Historical-Comparative Linguistics and Phonetics conduct research on the fundamental principles of natural human language.

A new third-party project funded by the VolkswagenStiftung (‘Exploring an unknown language in an unknown writing system: The Isthmus script’) will begin in April 2026. The Department of Linguistics is seeking to fill three full-time postdoctoral research positions (f/m/x) for this project.

YOUR TASKS

» Involvement in and contribution to an attempt to decipher the Mesoamerican Isthmus script

» Phonological and morphological reconstruction of either Proto-Mixe-Zoque, Proto-Otomanguean or Proto-Huastec using the historical-comparative method

» Active participation in the publication of project-related articles in international peer-reviewed journals

» Presentation of research results at international conferences

WE OFFER

» The opportunity to participate in a pioneering research project

» A diverse working environment with equal opportunities

» Support in balancing work and family life

» Extensive advanced training opportunities

» Occupational health management offers

» Flexible working time models

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The positions are available from 01 April 2026 on a full-time basis (39,83 hours per week). The positions are to be filled for a fixed term until 31 March 2029. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2510-10. The application deadline is 31 December 2025.

For further inquiries, please contact Dr Svenja Bonmann (svenja.bonmann@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.