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.