Phd: Agent-based Modelling for Reconstructing The

The aim of this project is to understand and quantify the roles of sociocultural and biophysical factors in the evolution of linguistic diversity using an agent-based modelling approach. The spatial agent-based model should simulate how and where languages (agents) change, merge, and split over time. You will use linguistics theory in combination with large datasets of environmental, demographic, sociocultural and linguistic variables to define the model rules.

**Your job**:
The project is a geoinformation and data science challenge and at the same time uses domain-specific knowledge from linguistics. In this project, you will:

- analyse data on biophysical and demographic variables across South America since 20,000 years ago;
- develop a spatial agent-based simulation model of language evolution;
- use this model to quantify the relative role of biophysical and sociocultural factors in shaping language diversity in South America.

Language is a unique proxy for culture. A language family arises as a result of the diversification over time of the speech variants of groups that once spoke one and the same language but followed differential historical trajectories. These socio-historical processes took place all over the world, but they have led to radically different patterns of linguistic diversity from one area to another. This fully-funded NWO Open Competition L project is a collaboration between Utrecht University faculty of Geosciences and Leiden Centre for Linguistics to understand the interplay between the biophysical environment and the social processes of diversification to explain the patterns of linguistic diversity we see today.

**Your qualities**:

- MSc in geoinformatics, computer science, (spatial / geographic) data science, or alternatively in a thematic domain, such as geography, linguistics, ecology, social science, with a considerable component of computational science or data science;
- interest in the historical dynamics of culture and language;
- experience in handling spatial data;
- programming and modelling experience, preferably in Python;
- proficiency in English;
- strong communication skills;
- ability to work independently as part of an interdisciplinary research team.

**Our offer**:
We offer:

- a position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
- a working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,872 and €3,670 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
- 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
- a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

**About us**:
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

**More information**:
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

If you have an international (not-Dutch) Master's diploma you will be requested to send your Bachelor's and Master's diplomas and grade lists (in English).

The interviews are on 6 or 8 November 2024. Preferred starting date is 1 January 2025.