Postdoctoral Research Associate in Linguistics

Full time Fixed term up to 30 June 2029, located on the Camperdown Campus at the Sydney School of Humanities

Exciting opportunity to contribute to an external funded research project in Linguistics

Base Salary Level A $ 113,634 p.a. - $ 125,896 p .a., + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Humanities has a strong record in teaching in linguistics and is recognised as an international leader in research in this field.

We are now recruiting a fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate in Linguistics to support research in “reason-giving” in human language, with an emphasis on typological diversity and social interaction. They will conduct research and scholarly activities under the limited supervision of senior academic staff, and they will assist in the development and management of research activities that investigate how reasons are given in the world’s languages, what variation can be observed, and how that variation can be explained.

Reporting Professor Nick Enfield , your key responsibilities will be:

undertake research in the comparative linguistics of reason-giving, through observation, description, typology, and theory

assist with coordination of team research in the “Reason-giving in the wild” research project

publication of research papers

demonstrate research excellence

assist with grant writing and publishing original work

support teaching activities and the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

About you

We are seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate in Linguistics who has:

a PhD in Linguistics

completed a comprehensive grammatical description of a minority non-European language

is in possession of extensive transcribed/translated video-recorded data from conversation in a minority non-European language, gathered in primary fieldwork in home/village settings

native speaker competence in a non-European language (preferred)

experience in quantitative methods of typological analysis

demonstrated ability to conduct research/scholarly activities under limited supervision

the ability and a willingness to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to contribute to long-term research goals

excellent communication (written and verbal), organisational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail

a strong track record of pursuing publication of research

a developing network of academic industry and professional partners and stakeholders.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Helen Efstathiou, Recruitment Consultant, Recruitment Operations on +61 2 8627 7137 or by email helen.efstathiou@sydney.edu.au

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Wednesday 12 August 2026 11:59 PM