Postdoctoral Fellow in Linguistic Processing

Job no: 0057158
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Fixed-term – 25th March 2024 to 31st March 2025
Faculty: Arts
Department/School: School of Languages and Linguistics
Salary: Level A – $80,258 – $108,906 p.a. plus 17% super

• Join a collaborative ARC project exploring word order in Australian Indigenous languages, in partnership with ANU and Uni SA!
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role
The School of Languages and Linguistics at the University of Melbourne is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join an ARC funded collaborative project investigating language processing in Australian Indigenous languages. 

The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to be involved in all facets of the research project, including conducting experimental linguistic processing research on selected Indigenous languages of Australia, collaborating on publications, co-ordination of symposia and public outreach where required. 

Led by Prof Rachel Nordlinger and Prof Evan Kidd (ANU) the project involves collaboration from Prof Ina Bornkessel-Schlesewsky and Matthias Schlesewsky (University of South Australia), with the opportunity to work closely with the Research Unit for Indigenous Language (https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/indiglang/) within the School of Languages and Linguistics.

The role will involve conducting fieldwork in remote Indigenous communities of Australia, and may also involve travel between the University of Melbourne, ANU and the University of South Australia on occasion.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking high quality research within the overall project, with a particular focus on experimental studies of linguistic processing in the Australian languages Pitjantjatjara and Warlpiri
• Working with the project leaders on the design of experiments to address project research questions
• Training PhD students in experimental methodologies as appropriate for the project, and under direction from the project leaders
• Undertaking fieldwork in remote Indigenous communities of Australia as required to contribute to experimental studies for the project and/or oversee PhD student data collection under direction from project leaders
• Performing statistical analysis of project data, in collaboration with project leaders
• Publishing academic papers and other scholarly outputs to a high standard in conjunction with the project leaders
• Presenting conference/symposium papers on the project findings at appropriate Australian and international forums and contribute to research workshops relating to the project

Who We Are Looking For
You will have a developing research profile in psycholinguistics and experience in conducting experimental research, analysing datasets using modern statistical approaches, and employing eye-tracking methodologies.

You showcase a demonstrated capacity to independently undertake research, as well as collaborate effectively within a team to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines. You have excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work across a diverse range of stakeholders and cultural background and translate research findings to a wide range of audiences.

You will also have:

• A completed or near completed PhD in Psycholinguistics (or closely related field)
• A developing research profile in psycholinguistics
• Experience conducting experimental research and analysing datasets using up to date statistical approaches
• Experience in eye-tracking methodologies
• Expertise in one or more programming languages, e.g. R or Python. Knowledge of language transcription and analysis

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn’t have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: To be considered for this role you must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is unavailable. 

Your New Team – The Faculty of Arts
The Faculty of Arts is a leading academic community dedicated to exploring and understanding the complexities of our ever-changing world. Our five schools, including the Asia Institute, School of Culture and Communication, School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, School of Languages and Linguistics, and School of Social and Political Sciences, house renowned researchers and intellectually engaged students. We embrace diversity and inclusion, actively welcoming and valuing the unique contributions of individuals from all backgrounds to achieve our vision.

What We Offer You!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits  page!

About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website  and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn .   

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at [email protected] , with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled “Reasonable Adjustments Request”.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)
  • A completed or near completed PhD in Psycholinguistics (or closely related field)
  • A developing research profile in psycholinguistics
  • Experience conducting experimental research and analysing datasets using up to date statistical approaches
  • Experience in eye

  – tracking methodologies

• Expertise in one or more programming languages, e

. g. R or Python. Knowledge of language transcription and analysis

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact us via email at [email protected] , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Applications close: 4 MARCH 2024 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)

Position Description: 0057158 Postdoctoral Fellow In Linguistic Processing PD.pdf

Position Description