How to Apply
A cover letter explaining qualifications for the position, a CV, research statement, a statement of commitment to diversity and inclusion, and one or more (up to three) representative publications, manuscripts, or dissertation chapters should be included as part of your application. Materials should include a clear statement of sign language skills and should address the applicants commitment to mentorship.
Please also arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted with the application materials. If the letters need to be sent separately, have the recommenders send the letters to [email protected].
When submitting application materials, convert all materials into one pdf document to submit through the UM job portal.
Summary
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in sign language linguistics, gesture studies, and second language acquisition at the Department of Linguistics, University of Michigan. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Natasha Abner. The position will involve working with video data from American Sign Language users, gesturers, and hearing learners of American Sign Language as a second language, and is part of an NSF-funded project Event Description in Sign Language and Gesture. The project description is available at: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2234889
Specialty Areas: Sign languages, syntax, semantics, morphology, gesture, second language acquisition
The (flexible) starting date of the postdoctoral position is July 1, 2024, or as soon thereafter as possible. Accepting applications through the end of June, but will start reviewing applications in late April (and applications may be considered after the deadline if the position is not filled).
The researcher will join the Sign Language & Multi-Modal Communication lab and will be expected to be an active participant in lab activities (conducted in English and American Sign Language). This will include collaboration with undergraduate and/or graduate students as well as members of the broader d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing community; supervision of undergraduate and graduate students may also be required. The successful applicant will be encouraged to work on their own research projects and to interact with the wider research community. Applicants are not expected to teach but opportunities will be available to take part in the educational mission of the University.
Desired Qualifications*
Applicants should have advanced knowledge of a sign language, and the ability to work in both the lab and the field with a sign language as the medium of communication. Knowledge of American Sign Language is preferred, but users of other sign languages are also encouraged to apply.
We furthermore seek a researcher who is comfortable working with sign language video data. Equal consideration will be given to applicants with training in linguistics or with a strong background in sign language studies in related disciplines (e.g., gesture studies, deaf education, disability studies, cognitive science, psychology, i.a.). Since the position will require working with large amounts of data from several different research projects, exceptional organizational and data management skills are also expected. Applicants with both qualitative and/or quantitative analysis backgrounds will be considered.
Additional Information
For additional information regarding the University of Michigan Department of Linguistics, please go to https://lsa.umich.edu/linguistics.
Benefit information at the University of Michigan can be found here: https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness.
We are committed to providing an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative space to learn, teach, work, discover, and thrive together. Enhancing and embracing our differences is essential to achieving our shared goals of producing groundbreaking research, providing a world-class education, and making a positive impact on our diverse society.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Contact Information
Natasha Abner, [email protected]
Application Deadline
June 30, 2024 or until position is filled; application review will begin in late April.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.