Research Scientist position in linguistic anthropology - Aboriginal Australian languages / cultures

Overview

UiB - Knowledge that shapes society

Through robust and close interaction with the world around us – globally, nationally and locally – we shall be instrumental in building a society based on knowledge, skills and attitudes.

The University of Bergen in Norway (UiB) is hiring a research scientist in linguistic anthropology, with specialization in Aboriginal Australian languages / cultures . The position, housed at the Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, is temporary from 1 January 2026 until 31 December 2027 and is part of the project "Evolution of Cognitive Tools for Quantification (QUANTA)", funded by the European Research Council (ERC) with a Synergy Grant to Andrea Bender (UiB), Rafael Núñez (ETH Zürich, from 1 October 2025 at UiB), Francesco d’Errico (CNRS Bordeaux), and Russell Gray (MPI for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig).

About the project / responsibilities

• The QUANTA project is a multi-national multi-disciplinary project that investigates when, why, and how humans developed number systems, and why those vary so massively across cultures. The project brings together researchers from multiple disciplines and institutions in the investigation of the emergence of human quantification, counting, and numerical skills.
• QUANTA is a 6-year project, which started in September 2021. It is now located at three institutions — UiB, CNRS Bordeaux, and MPI EVA Leipzig — which engage in frequent and close collaboration and exchange, with the possibility of internships for all researchers at the other institutions.
• The research scientist will be part of the UiB unit and have his / her place of work in Bergen (Norway).
• The research scientist will be responsible for investigating in detail quantification and numeral systems in languages and cultures from Aboriginal Australia (including material artefacts such as message sticks, etc.).
• The main supervisor for this research scientist position will be Dr. Rafael Núñez (currently at ETH Zürich, from 1 October 2025 at UiB).
• Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in linguistic anthropology (or related fields) before starting at UiB.
• Applicants must have expertise and an excellent track in linguistic anthropology, with a clear focus studying Australian Aboriginal languages or cultures.
• Fieldwork experience is highly desirable and will be considered as a valuable asset.
• Applicants must have the ability to work independently and in a structured manner and must be willing and able to cooperate with others. Experience with cross-disciplinary collaboration is especially desirable and will be considered an advantage.
• Broad scientific interest beyond the applicant’s own field is expected. Familiarity with research from the fields of numerical cognition and / or cultural and cognitive evolution will be considered an advantage.
• High proficiency in both written and oral English is required.
• Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Research experience, ambitions, and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.

We can offer

Essential information

Your application must include

The application and any attachments along with certified translations in English or another Scandinavian language must be uploaded to JobbNorge.

General information

Further information about the position can be obtained from :

Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

We encourage applicants to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. For further information about the recruitment process, click here.

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