Postdoctoral Researcher in Sign Language and Deaf Studies Change

Faculty of Humanities, Leiden University Centre for Linguistics:

Vacancy for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Sign Language and Deaf Studies (0.7 FTE, 2 years)

Project overview/ Key responsibilities

Leiden University Centre for Linguistics invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position (0.7 FTE) in sign language and gesture studies. Under the guidance of Dr. Victoria Nyst, the successful candidate will conduct linguistic research focusing on diachronic change in sign languages, utilizing both historical and contemporary data. This position is part of the NWO-funded project, Through the hands of signers: modeling spread and change in historical sign language linguistics.

Project goals
The historical linguistics of sign languages remains significantly underexplored. Our project aims to bridge this gap through a comprehensive study of the social and linguistic histories of sign languages in Europe and West Africa. By developing a cross-linguistically validated model, we seek to enhance understanding of how sign languages evolve over time and inform broader historical linguistics beyond spoken languages.

In communities with hereditary deafness, family-based transmission predominates, while deaf schools often serve as hubs for the dissemination of signs. This project investigates the complex interplay between patterns in transmission and the evolution of sign languages, addressing the questions: How do sign languages change and spread over time, and what influences these processes?

Utilizing linguistic and historical-ethnographic fieldwork, machine learning techniques, and newly discovered historical sign lists, this project aims to uncover the dynamics of sign language transmission.

Role of the Postdoctoral Researcher
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher who will use their linguistic expertise to analyse sign change over time across sign languages in order to establish patterns and regular correspondences between signs varying over time.

Tasks within the project
The goal of this postdoc project is to use the collection of 18th and 19th century historical sign lists for a number of sign languages to shed light on regular sign changes, comparing them with corresponding contemporary data, and reconstructing the etymologies of current signs and the changes they underwent. The changes are documented in a Sign Change Database to develop a typology of sign change. Optionally, this project will use automated form-based searches using machine learning tools to aid the process of looking for cognates that underwent a change in semantics and hence are difficult to retrieve through gloss-based searches. The project aims to formulate generalizations regarding the predictability of sign change vis-à-vis the signed modality, iconic motivation, and the morpho-phonological systems of SLs.

To identify potential parallels between gestures and signs, the postdoc researcher supervises and collaborates with the research assistants in the compilation of a historical database of early signs using the SignBank format.
The researcher will join the HANDS!Lab and will be expected to be an active participant in lab activities (conducted in English and International Sign/Dutch Sign Language). This will include collaboration with undergraduate and/or graduate students, deaf and hearing colleagues, as well as members of the broader d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The successful applicant will be encouraged to work on their own research projects and to interact with the wider research community.

The starting date of the postdoctoral position is flexible, but preferably as soon as possible.

Expected outputs
The postdoc is expected to produce:

1. Four scholarly articles on sign change.
2. Collaborative outputs, including:

• A database of emblems and monastic signs.
• A lexical database of historical sign forms.
• Animated reconstructions of historical signs.
• A comprehensive Sign Change Database.

Additionally, the researcher will contribute to a joint online archive for historical resources, assist in editing and publishing historical sign language lists, and participate in organizing conferences and community workshops.

Candidate profile

Ideal candidates should:

• have completed their PhD, preferably in sign language studies, at the start of the employment
• be fluent in at least one sign language, and have the ability to work in both the lab and the field with the sign language(s) used there
• Demonstrate independent thinking and strong teamwork skills.
• Exhibit creativity and the ability to produce theoretically engaging analyses of sign language structure and use.
• Be either a registered resident of the Netherlands or willing to relocate for the position.

Research environment
Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL) is one of seven Institutes that fall under the Faculty of Humanities. With over 120 linguists working at the Institute, it is a rich research environment that prides itself on fostering scientific excellence. At LUCL we offer extensive research support to our researchers.
LUCL has a longstanding tradition in the study of the world’s languages and features unique linguistic expertise. Current theoretical insights are combined with modern experimental methods in its research profile area ‘Language Diversity in the World’. Researchers from oursix umbrella research groupsare experts in their respective fields but equally find innovative ways of collaborating with other fields and disciplines.

The Faculty of Humanities is rich in expertise in fields such as philosophy, religious studies, history, art history, literature, linguistics and area studies covering nearly every region of the world. With its staff of 995, the faculty provides 27 master’s and 25 bachelor’s programmes for over 7,000 students based at locations in Leiden and inThe Hague. For more information:https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/humanities.

Terms and conditions
We offer a 0,7 fte position, initially for one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of research, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended with another year. The salary will be between €4020 and €4660 for a full appointment (scale 10.4 – 11.1). The intended starting date is December 1, but can be discussed. You are expected to work in Leiden.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions.Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.For more information see the website.

Diversity Commitment
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research strives to be inclusive.

Contact Information
For further information on this project please contact Victoria Nyst, email v.a.s.nyst@hum.leidenuniv.nl, or on practical matters Maarit van Gammeren, email m.s.k.van.gammeren@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Application process
To apply, please submit the following by November 3:

• A signed video outlining your motivation (max 5 minutes, with transcript or translation in English), please e-mail this video to Victoria Nyst: v.a.s.nyst@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• The names and contact information of two referees (no reference letters required).

Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated.