Research Fellow in Computational Phonology & Cultural Evolution

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The role

Postdoctoral position in computational phonology & cultural evolution on "Rational Evolutionary Phonology"

Prof Erich Round is seeking qualified applicants for a fully-funded two-year postdoctoral project on “REVOLUPHON: Rational Evolutionary Phonology". This postdoctoral project contributes to the core cultural-evolutionary and modelling components in the ERC-selected, UKRI-funded project "Rational Evolutionary Phonology", led by Erich Round in 2024–2029.

The position is based at the Surrey Morphology Group at the University of Surrey, and provides the opportunity to work in the vibrant and highly collegial research environment for which SMG is renowned.

Background

REVOLUPHON is an ambitious project in computational cognitive science, cultural evolution and phonological theory, which seeks deeper explanations for human phonology. Though phonological theories are diverse, they contain recurrent axioms and atoms: segments, features, prosodic units, et cetera. We hypothesise that these units of representation are explicable in terms of the interaction of phonetics with resource limitations on human cognition (resource rationality). Separately, recent decades show that phonologies can be reasonably well modelled as optimisation problems, with optimisation imputed to the mind. We hypothesise that apparent optimisation, and its exceptions, arise because phonologies undergo cultural evolution, an optimising process. REVOLUPHON tests these hypotheses through computational modelling of cognition and cultural evolution, to develop new foundations for phonological theory.

Responsibilities

The candidate will be a core member of a research team focused on achieving the REVOLUPHON project aims, and will participate in the broader activities both of the REVOLUPHON group and of the Surrey Morphology Group (SMG). The candidate will have opportunities at SMG to develop their research leadership profile while interacting with world-class researchers. Please refer to the full job description, under ‘Addendum’ for key responsibilities. 

About you

Suitable candidates trained in theoretical and computational phonology are strongly encouraged to apply. Please refer to the full job description, under ‘Addendum’ for essential and desirable criteria. 

The position is full time, and the successful candidate will be required to work on-site at the University of Surrey, Guildford for three days per week.

What we can offer

In addition to salary, you will receive a yearly incremental pay rise, generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days holiday plus 7 university closure days and 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time roles), a generous pension, access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes, and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

How to apply

The following documents will be required:

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. We therefore particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Closing Date: 24 Mar 2025

Area: Research & Teaching

Salary: £37,174 to £40,497 per annum Fixed Term (- Sept 2027)