Postdoctoral in Historical Linguistics & AI – Germany

About the Position

The Department of Linguistic and Cultural Evolution (DLCE) at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVA) in Leipzig, Germany, invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher position in Historical Linguistics with a focus on AI-assisted methodology. This fully funded two-year position is ideal for candidates with a background in comparative historical linguistics and experience with artificial intelligence technologies such as machine learning or large language models (e.g. GPT, BERT).

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team addressing fundamental questions about the evolution of language and culture. The project aims to develop AI-supported tools to assist linguists in analysing historical data, tracking phonological and semantic changes, inferring cognates, and constructing linguistic phylogenies. The role offers exceptional resources, international collaboration, and the opportunity to advance computational approaches within historical linguistics.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Institution: Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Department: Department of Linguistic and Cultural Evolution (DLCE)
Research Field: Historical Linguistics, Artificial Intelligence
Location: Leipzig, Germany
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Postdoctoral
Start Date (Anticipated): Open; until position is filled
Working Hours: Full-time
Salary Range: Based on German TVöD scale (commensurate with experience)
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Areas

Historical Linguistics
Artificial Intelligence
Computational Linguistics
Language Phylogenies
Comparative Linguistics
Language Evolution

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in Historical Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field
Proficiency in Python and/or R
Familiarity with AI tools like large language models (e.g. GPT, BERT)
Experience with the comparative method in historical linguistics
Strong statistical/computational skills
Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
Excellent spoken and written English

Our Offer

Full-time, fixed-term contract for 2 years (not beyond 31 December 2027)
Salary according to the German TVöD scale, based on experience
30 days paid holiday per year, plus public holidays and Christmas closure
Attractive pension plan and social security benefits
International, interdisciplinary environment with access to leading scientists, cutting-edge resources, and institutional support
Freedom and support to pursue independent research within the project scope

How to Apply

Please submit your application in English via the official online portal. Only complete applications submitted through the link will be considered. Applications must include:

Cover letter explaining your research experience and motivation for applying, including a 2-page project proposal
CV with copies of degree certificates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
Names and contact details of 2–3 referees