Post-doctoral researcher (m/f/x)

In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) by July 01, 2026 or at the earliest possible date, we are looking for one

Post-doctoral researcher (m/f/x)

The project EmDiCom 2 'Decompositional Semantics of Face Emojis in Digital Communication' will develop a formal semantics for emojis as a prime example of visual communication within the DFG priority program ViCom ('Visual Communication. Theoretical, Empirical, and Applied Perspectives'). The project is led by co-PIs Prof. Dr. Tatjana Scheffler (Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany) and Prof. Dr. Patrick Grosz (University of Oslo, Norway). The project plans to investigate emojis from a formal semantics perspective informed by experimental data.

Our research primarily concentrates on the semantics of face emojis, and builds on the hypothesis that face emojis have partly conventionalized (symbolic) meaning, but also incorporate iconic meaning due to their resemblance to human faces, which they are meant to depict. We aim to delineate the formal semantic denotation of face emojis, and whether it can be decomposed into smaller meaning components. Second, we aim to empirically establish the semantic type of expressive face emojis, i.e., whether or not they serve as functions, taking a propositional argument that they comment on.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany's leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum's declared aim.

• Independent research on the semantics and pragmatics of emojis in the reseearch project 'Decompositional Semantics of Face Emojis in Digital Communication (EmDiCom 2)'.
• Participation in the interdisciplinary DFG priority program 'Visual Communication' (e.g., participation in network meetings and short-term collaborations)
• Planning and conducting linguistic online experiments (acceptability studies, reading time measurements)
• Collaboration on publications and presentations at international conferences
• Supervision of research assistants
• Organization of scientific events (workshops)

• An above-average linguistics PhD is required
• Background in theoretical linguistics, preferably formal semantics/pragmatics
• Demonstrated experience in experimental linguistics and statistical methods
• Knowledge of tools for creating and conducting online experiments is an advantage
• Interest in visual communication (e.g., gestures, facial expressions, emojis, Sign Language)
• Excellent English skills

The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite.

Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 30 months
Start: by July 01, 2026 or at the earliest possible date

We offer:

• Challenging and varied tasks with a high degree of personal responsibility
• Exciting research on a current topic
• International cooperation with the 'Super Linguistics' group at the University of Oslo and within the 'Visual Communication' DFG priority program
• A friendly and enthusiastic team at the interface of formal, digital, and computational linguistics
• The opportunity to join one of the largest universities in Germany, part of the University Alliance Ruhr
• Professional development, mentoring, and training

Further information:

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L).If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.

RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF).https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.