Description: We invite applications for a post-doctoral research position within a Polish National Science Centre (NCN) funded project at the University of Lodz. The 4-year project ‘ PRIMA: Procedures for Interpreting Multimodal Argumentation ’ is led by dr hab. Martin Hinton , in the Department of Linguistics and Communication.

The project looks at how we can interpret arguments when they are not expressed only in words, but rather in pictures, sounds, films, or any combination of these. In order to classify and evaluate such arguments, we must first be able to identify them and extract from the material those elements which are important in understanding what point the author is trying to make and how they are trying to persuade us that it is true. The aim of the project is to develop step-by-step procedures which can be followed by anyone to make this kind of analysis.

Requirements: Candidates should have gained their doctorate in linguistics, philosophy, or a related field within the last seven years, or expect to complete their defence before taking up the post. Applicants should have a good knowledge of argumentation theory and experience of publishing and presenting their work within the field. The candidate is expected to have a high level of written and spoken English, to be capable of working in a team, and to be enthusiastic about engaging in all aspects of the project. It is a legal requirement that the successful candidate be a full-time resident in Poland for the duration of the post.

Advantages: Experience with multimodal argumentation would be a major advantage. The project research will be conducted in English and knowledge of Polish is not required, though may be an advantage.

Duties: 

·        Conducting primary research on multimodal argumentation aimed at developing procedures for interpretation,

·        Taking the lead on the writing and publishing of academic papers,

·        Attending conferences and other events to present the work of the project,

·        Assisting with the organisation of events at the host institution,

·        Cooperating with and assisting other members of the project team.

We offer: The position is planned to begin in December 2025, although some flexibility over the date may be possible for the right candidate. It is expected that the initial contract would be for one year, with the possibility of extension. The total costs of employment are fixed over the four year period in the terms of the grant. This means that the salary is subject to possible changes in Polish tax and employment law. Currently, the gross, pre-tax salary is calculated at 8600 PLN per month. The grant also contains generous provision for travel, literature, and research equipment. The project will be based in a dedicated office in the Faculty of Philology, a modern purpose-built building in the university campus area of Lodz.

Required documents: Applicants entering the recruitment competition are required to submit an application for employment addressed to the Rector of the University of Lodz, as well as the following attachments:

• a curriculum vitae including a list of previous academic achievements (publications, conference papers, research fellowships and projects, etc.);
• a copy of the PhD diploma or a copy of the decision of the committee accepting the public defense of the doctoral dissertation;
• information on personal data processing for a job candidate (available at: https://www.uni.lodz.pl/en/career);
• a statement declaring that the University of Lodz will be the candidate’s primary place of employment within the meaning of the Law on Higher Education and Science (available at: https://www.uni.lodz.pl/en/career);
• Annex 1 to the Standards for the Protection of Minors at the UL - Declaration for the purpose of verification in the Sex Offenders Register (available at: https://www.uni.lodz.pl/en/career );
• Annex 2 to the Standards for the Protection of Minors at the UL – Declaration of no criminal record and commitment to observe the UL Standards for the Protection of Minors (available at: https://www.uni.lodz.pl/en/career)

The candidate selected for employment is required to submit, before starting the employment, a certificate of no criminal record from the National Court Register, issued no earlier than 6 months prior to its submission to the employer.

The University of Lodz does not cover travel or accommodation costs.

linguistics

Argumentation, Multimodality, Memes