Two PhD Positions in Second Language Acquisition / Study Abroad Research (100%)

The Department of Languages and Literatures at the University of Basel (English Seminar) invites applications for two fully funded PhD positions (100%, four years) within the SNSF Starting Grant project LINC – The Long-Term Impact of Study Abroad on Linguistic Proficiency, Intercultural Competence, and Plurilingualism, led by Dr. Zeynep Köylü.

About the role

The SNSF-funded LINC project investigates the short- and long-term impact of study abroad on second language proficiency, intercultural competence, and plurilingualism. Adopting a longitudinal, mixed-methods perspective, the project follows Swiss pre-service teachers before, during, immediately after, and up to several years following their study-abroad experiences. The project brings together perspectives from Second Language Acquisition (SLA), study abroad and international mobility research, intercultural competence, and multilingualism/plurilingualism. Particular attention is paid to individual developmental trajectories, the interaction between linguistic and non-linguistic dimensions of development, and the extent to which study-abroad experiences transfer to participants' subsequent academic, professional, and personal lives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct longitudinal research on the impact of study abroad on linguistic proficiency, intercultural competence, and plurilingualism.
• Collect and analyze a rich longitudinal dataset combining language proficiency measures, questionnaires, repeated measures, weekly diaries, interviews, and other qualitative and quantitative data.
• Participate in the design and implementation of study abroad programs and related initiatives.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with colleagues in SLA, study abroad and international mobility research, intercultural competence, and multilingualism/plurilingualism.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Applied Linguistics, Education, Psychology, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in Second Language Acquisition (SLA), study abroad and international mobility research, intercultural competence, and multilingualism/plurilingualism.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Ability to conduct independent research and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Fluency in English and German, with proficiency in another language preferred.

Qualifications

• Passionate about studying the long-term impacts of study abroad on linguistic proficiency, intercultural competence, and plurilingualism.
• Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary research and collaborate with experts in various fields.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Skills

• Excellent research skills and ability to design and execute complex research projects.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in statistical software and data analysis tools.

Benefits

• Full funding for four years, including salary, travel, and research expenses.
• Opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and contribute to a dynamic academic community.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
• Flexible working hours and remote work options.

Pay

Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time employment, 40 hours per week.