Postdoctoral Candidate in Humanities
University of Antwerp
Belgium

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The research group Grammar and Pragmatics (GaP) of the Faculty of Arts and humanities (Letteren en Wijsbegeerte) at the University of Antwerp is seeking a post-doctoral candidate willing to write a post-doctoral research proposal that tackles the topic of syntactic complexity in English as a Foreign/Second Language. The aims are to advance conceptual clarity, provide pedagogically and linguistically transparent operationalizations, and create an open-source L2 syntactic complexity annotation system and accompanying software tool (see brief project description below).

The top ranked candidate will acquire a 6- or 12-month (depending on the type of contract) full-time preparatory mandate to write a postdoctoral project on this topic and submit a competitive research proposal to FWO (Flemish Science Foundation), with the University of Antwerp as host institution.

External and internal post-doc researchers must be eligible to submit an FWO post-doc. The list of eligibility criteria can be found here.

Position

This call invites innovative postdoctoral proposals to redefine and advance the study of syntactic complexity (SC) in second language (L2) English. SC, a core component of the Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency (CAF) triad, reflects linguistic sophistication and risk-taking in L2 development. However, despite its critical role in L2 research, teaching, and assessment, SC remains plagued by conceptual ambiguity, inconsistent operationalizations, and overreliance on opaque automatic tools.

We seek proposals addressing the following key goals:

1. Clarifying the SC Construct: Developing a linguistically transparent and pedagogically interpretable framework to define SC, accessible to learners, educators, assessors, and researchers.
2. Creating Open-Source Resources: Proposing tools such as a SC annotation guide and software to standardize the identification, definition, and analysis of SC units, fostering consistency in research and practical application (similar to the tools developed for accuracy here).

• Join us in reshaping SC research to ensure its relevance, usability, and impact across L2 English contexts.
• We are seeking a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our group. The successful candidate will contribute to groundbreaking research in Learner Corpus Research and/or Second Language Acquisition, focusing on syntactic complexity in L2 English.

Profile

• You hold (or will have obtained by the start date) a PhD in English Linguistics, specializing in Learner Corpus Research and/or Second Language Acquisition.
• You have demonstrated experience in studying syntactic complexity in L2 English or a closely related area.
• Proficiency in the (manual) annotation of L2 English data.
• A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields.
• Strong quantitative (statistical) and qualitative research skills in English as a Foreign/Second Language.
• Statistical literacy, with proficiency in tools such as R, JASP, or SPSS, and the ability to employ advanced statistical methods.
• Experience or knowledge in Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a significant asset.
• Native speaker of English or C2-level proficiency in English, with excellent skills in both speaking and academic writing.
• A strong research vision, with the ability to independently design and propose innovative, cutting-edge research projects in the field.
• Creativity and a proactive approach to addressing research challenges.
• Openness to interdisciplinary approaches, with an ability to integrate diverse perspectives and methodologies.
• Willingness to adapt to new tools, methods, and academic environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a commitment to quality, integrity, and cooperation.
• Meet the FWO postdoctoral eligibility criteria.
• Alignment with the research policies and standards of the faculty and university.
• Awareness and respect for diverse cultural and academic norms.

What we offer

Appointments are made in one of the following categories, depending on candidate profile:

• Postdoctoral scholarship holder: one-year full time employment
  • Note: in order to be eligible in this statute, you must have spent at least 12 months of the three years prior to the start date as a postdoctoral scholarship holder abroad and can’t have worked or studied in Belgium during these 12 months. Short-term stays (e.g. holidays, participation in conferences, preparation for this stay as a postdoctoral scholarship holder) will not be taken into account.
  • In this position, we offer a full-time appointment for a period of 12 months to prepare a postdoctoral research project to be submitted to the FWO (Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek) with the University of Antwerp as host institution.
  • Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for postdoctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
  • You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• Postdoctoral researcher (contractual): 6-month full-time employment
  • Under contractual conditions, we offer a full-time appointment for a period of six months to prepare a postdoctoral research project to be submitted to the FWO (Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek) with the University of Antwerp as host institution.
  • Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow in the Contract Research Staff category (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
  • You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, a group insurance, an income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• The planned start date will be decided in discussion with the successful candidate based on the FWO deadline aimed for (the final call which can be aimed for is December 2026). 
  • You will be affiliated to the Grammar and Pragmatics Research Group (GaP) and will also work in close collaboration with the Centre for Research in computational linguistics, psycholinguistics, and sociolinguistics (CLiPS) who are supporting group for the post-doctoral project preparation.
  • You will also be part of the LeLaN network (Learner Language Network) which brings together researchers specifically working in Foreign/Second Language Studies at the University of Antwerp.
  • You will do most of your work at the Stadstcampus (Antwerp City Centre) in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
  • Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
  • Infrastructural opportunities for postdoctoral researchers at the University of Antwerp are available here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this position through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform until Tuesday, 11 March 2025 (midnight, Brussels time). To submit your application, click on the ‘Apply’ button below and complete the online application form. Please include the following documents as attachments:
• Your academic CV
• A motivation letter explaining why you are the right candidate for this position
• A research statement (maximum 4,000 characters) concretely outlining how you envision a project proposal related to the above topic.
• Names and contact details of two referees
• The selection committee will review all applications shortly after the deadline. Once a decision is made, we will notify you of the outcome. If your application is shortlisted, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection process. Interviews for shortlisted candidates: Tuesday 22 April 2025 in the afternoon
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section or email jobs@uantwerpen.be. For specific inquiries about the position, please contact Professor Jennifer Thewissen at Jennifer.thewissen@uantwerpen.be 

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.