Postdoctoral Researcher in Cross-Cultural Psycho-/Neurolinguistics

Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (ISLE)

Postdoctoral Researcher in Cross-Cultural Psycho-/Neurolinguistics 80 %

Start of employment 1 October 2026 or by agreement, temporary

The NCCR Evolving Language ( www.evolvinglanguage.ch ) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in cross-cultural research on language processing and its relationship with other aspects of cognition, with a specific focus on syntax and event cognition.

The NCCR is a Swiss National Center of Competence in Research with the goal of creating a new discipline, Evolutionary Language Science, that targets the origins and future of language. The center consists of scientists from traditionally separated academic domains, which allows us to harvest the diverse expertise from the humanities, social sciences, computational sciences, natural sciences and medicine towards a broadscale collaboration.

Your responsibilities

In collaboration with a team from the NCCR Work Package “Events” and under the supervision of Professor Balthasar Bickel, the postdoc will lead and develop a series of studies using chiefly experimental methods to investigate language processing and planning and the wider cognitive background of this in a diverse set of languages, drawing chiefly on the NCCR's existing network of collaborations worldwide ( NCCR research facilities ). Place of work is Zurich, Switzerland, but the successful candidate is expected to conduct experiments in various places across the world.

Your profile

Successful candidates will be thoroughly familiar with experimental methods and statistical data analysis in language science. They are trained in psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, and/or linguistics and are keen on engaging with evolutionary questions. Experience with cross-cultural fieldwork is an additional strong asset.

The NCCR Evolving Language places great emphasis on teamwork and multidisciplinary perspectives. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential. Excellent oral and written communication in English is required.

Information on your application

What we offer

This is an 80% FTE position, which includes 20% teaching. The position is offered as a one-year contract, with a potential extension by agreement to up to four years total.

UZH offers excellent opportunities and strong support for career development. Salaries are internationally competitive: Salary ranges, guidelines for employees in SNSF-funded projects (PDF) .

Review of applications will start 10 September 2026 , and the position remains open until filled. To apply, please submit the following documents as a single PDF (in English):

• a cover letter (1.5 pages max, describing your previous experience, your research interests as part of the NCCR program, your motivation to apply for the present position)
• a CV, including a publication list
• contact information (name, position, and e-mail address) of two references
• a maximum of two writing samples / publications

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

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Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

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Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

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Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

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Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions

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Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

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International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

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Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

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Location

Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (ISLE)

Affolternstrasse 56, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Lena Zipp

Program Coordinator

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Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!

More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More