Fully Funded 4-year PhD Studentship Opportunity in Language Evolution at Max Planck Institute (2026 Intake)

A fully funded 4-year PhD opportunity is currently available at the prestigious Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, offering advanced training in experimental language evolution research.

This doctoral position is part of the research group Language Evolution and Adaptation in Diverse Situations (LEADS), led by Dr. Limor Raviv, and is designed for candidates interested in how human languages emerge, evolve, and diversify.

The studentship begins on 1 September 2026 and is open to international applicants.

Overview of the PhD Project

This PhD project focuses on understanding the social and cognitive forces that shape language evolution, from early language emergence to modern-day linguistic diversity.

The research will explore how communication systems develop through experimental communication games and artificial language learning studies, conducted both in laboratory and online environments.

The core aim is to investigate how humans create, transmit, and adapt languages under different social conditions, including:

• Social prestige and hierarchy
• Language contact and cultural interaction
• Differences between native and non-native language learners
• Communication between individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds

The project also simulates real-world language evolution processes, such as the formation of new languages similar to creoles and other contact languages.

Research Methods and Focus Areas: PhD Studentship Opportunity in Language Evolution at Max Planck Institute

The PhD candidate will work with experimental paradigms designed to model language evolution in controlled settings. Key methods include:

1. Communication Games

Participants engage in structured tasks that simulate real-world communication challenges. These games help researchers observe how linguistic conventions emerge within groups.

2. Artificial Language Learning Experiments

Participants learn and use simplified “miniature languages,” allowing researchers to track how linguistic systems change over repeated transmission.

3. Social and Cognitive Analysis

The project examines how:

• Social status influences linguistic behavior
• Individuals imitate and adapt language differently
• Communication patterns spread across groups

4. Computational and Statistical Modelling

Advanced quantitative methods are used to analyse language change patterns and simulate evolutionary dynamics

PhD Studentship Opportunity in Language Evolution at Max Planck Institute: Eligibility Criteria

Applicants are expected to have a strong academic and research background in relevant fields. The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:

Essential Qualifications

• A Master’s degree (or near completion by August 2026) in fields such as:
  • Linguistics
  • Psychology
  • Cognitive Science
  • Neuroscience
• Strong interest in language evolution, communication, and cognitive science
• Experience in empirical research, including:
  • Experimental design
  • Data collection and analysis
  • Academic writing and reporting
• Familiarity with experimental tools such as:
  • PsychoPy
  • E-Prime
  • Gorilla
  • Presentation software
• Programming experience in R and/or Python
• Knowledge of statistical modelling, including:
  • Mixed-effects regression models
  • Bayesian statistics (e.g., brms, lme4)
• Excellent written and spoken English

Desirable Skills and Experience

Candidates with the following additional experience will have a competitive advantage:

• Background in evolutionary linguistics or sociolinguistics
• Experience with:
  • Iterated learning experiments
  • Dyadic communication studies
  • Artificial language research
• Computational modelling (e.g., agent-based models, machine learning approaches)
• Use of annotation tools such as ELAN or PRAAT
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals or conference presentations
• Strong interest in Open Science practices

Funding, Salary, and Benefits

This is a fully funded doctoral position offering strong financial and professional support throughout the 4-year program.

Financial Package

• Monthly gross salary: approximately €3,185
• Based on German public service pay scale (TVöD)

Additional Benefits

• 30 days annual leave
• Dutch and German public holidays observed
• Pension scheme contributions (employer + employee)
• Full-time research contract (39 hours per week)
• Access to advanced research facilities
• Generous funding for conferences and travel

Training and Academic Environment

The PhD student will be enrolled in the International Max Planck Research School for Language Sciences, a joint graduate training initiative between multiple leading institutions, including the Radboud University.

This programme offers:

• Structured academic coursework
• Soft skills training (writing, presentation, research communication)
• Interdisciplinary collaboration across language science disciplines
• Access to world-class researchers and labs

The Max Planck Institute is internationally recognised for its contributions to understanding language, cognition, and human communication.

Research Environment

The PhD candidate will work within a highly interdisciplinary research ecosystem connected to:

• Cognitive neuroscience
• Developmental psychology
• Genetics and language research
• Multimodal communication studies (speech, gesture, and sign language)

The institute is part of the broader Max Planck Society, a globally respected network of research institutes dedicated to fundamental science.

Collaborative links also extend to:

• Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour
• Centre for Language Studies
• Baby & Child Research Center

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application in PDF format, including:

• One-page motivation statement explaining:
  • Interest in the project
  • Relevant qualifications
  • Research interests
• One-page summary of Master’s thesis
• Full CV including:
  • Education history
  • Publications
  • Research experience
• Contact details for at least three referees

Important Application Rule

Applicants must write all submitted documents themselves. The use of generative AI tools for writing application materials is strictly prohibited, although grammar and spelling checking tools may be used.

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is:

18 May 2026

Contact Information

Informal enquiries can be directed to:

Dr. Limor Raviv
Email: [email protected]

Final Summary

This PhD studentship at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics offers a rare opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research on language evolution using experimental and computational methods. With full funding, international collaboration, and access to world-leading facilities, the programme is designed for highly motivated candidates aiming for careers in academia or advanced research.

It is particularly suited to applicants with strong quantitative skills and a deep interest in how human communication systems emerge and change over time.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding