Phd Position On Regional Variation of Frisian

Melodies of the North will result in a detailed digital archive of spoken Frisian, encapsulating the rich diversity of dialects found across the region. The project seeks not only to preserve these linguistic variations via a digital archive, but also to analyze their unique phonetic features. This multidimensional approach aims to enhance our understanding of Frisian's linguistic landscape, contribute to its preservation, and foster educational and research opportunities. Beyond its research objectives, Melodies of the North emphasizes community engagement, promoting a culture of linguistic stewardship, and empowering Frisian-speaking communities to actively participate in the preservation and revitalization of their language.

Your research tasks may include
- Design and conduct field research for spoken Frisian data collection.
- Collect, digitally enrich and analyze data according to the project objectives.
- Present results at national and international conferences.
- Publish results in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Participate in the collective scientific activities of the Speech Tech Lab.
- Limited teaching and student supervision tasks, e.g in the MSc programme “Voice Technology”.

Organisation
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 34,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.

Campus Fryslân is the ambitious eleventh and newest faculty of the University of Groningen, located in Leeuwarden. Campus Fryslân is an interdisciplinary faculty that works closely together with regional, national and international partners on worldwide (sustainability) challenges and local solutions. The sustainable development goals of the United Nations thus serve as an important guideline.

We offer challenging Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degree programs. The research institute covers six research domains: Global and Local Governance, Governance and Innovation, Sustainable Entrepreneurship in a Circular Economy, Language, Technology and Culture, Knowledge Infrastructures and Sustainable Health. In the summer of 2019, Campus Fryslân has moved to the new faculty building De Beurs: the first all-electric, monumental educational building in The Netherlands.

**Qualifications**:

- A Research Master’s or Master’s degree in fields related to the project, such as Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, Data and Information Science, Digital Humanities, Human/Social Geography, or Language and Culture Studies.
- A strong academic record in graduate studies.
- Excellent command of spoken and written English; proficiency in Dutch and Frisian is desirable.
- Foundations in programming and data management (or a willingness to acquire these skills during the PhD period) are desirable.
- Commitment to completing a PhD dissertation within four years.
- Strong analytical skills and a passion for research (research experience is an asset).
- A cooperative attitude and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.

**Organisation**:
**Conditions of employment**:
In accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, the University of Groningen offers you:

- A salary of € 2,770 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,539 gross per month in the final year, based on a full-time position.
- A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income.
- An 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance.
- Excellent work-life balance.
- Willingness to move and reside in The Netherlands.

**Application**:

- Your curriculum vitae.
- A motivation letter of a maximum of two A4 pages.
- A brief research outline of max 500 words, detailing your initial ideas for the project, including possible research questions, objectives, and approaches.
- A copy of your diplomas with a list of course grades.
- Contact details of two academic referees.

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

**Information**:
For information you can contact:

- Dr Schäuble, Supervisors of the project, j.k.schauble rug.nl
- Dr Verkhodanova, Supervisors of the project, v.verkhodanova rug.nl
- Dr Bianca Dijkstra, Coordinator of the Graduate School Campus Fryslân, cf-gs rug.nl