Research assistants in Sign Language and Deaf Studies

Key responsibilities

Applications are invited for two research assistant positions (0,2 fte for 1 year) to support sign language research activities at the Leiden Center for Linguistics, particularly with data collection and processing and/or management and community workshops for deaf youth. The successful candidates will work under the supervision of Dr Victoria Nyst. The positions are part of the NWO-funded project Through the hands of signers: modeling spread and change in historical sign language linguistics.

Focus areas: Sign languages data collection (and processing), and/or organization of events and workshops

The starting date of the assistant positions is flexible, but preferably as soon as possible. Accepting applications through October, but will start reviewing applications mid-October (and applications may be considered after the deadline if the position is not filled).

The assistant will join the HANDS!Lab and will be expected to be an active participant in lab activities (conducted in English and International Sign/Dutch Sign Language). This will include collaboration with undergraduate and/or graduate students, deaf and hearing colleagues, as well as members of the broader d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Selection criteria

Applicants should be fluent in a sign language, and have the ability to work in both the lab and the field with the sign language(s) used there. For one of the positions, having experience in working with sign language data and sign language technology is an advantage.

Research at our faculty/ institute

Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL) is one of seven Institutes that fall under the Faculty of Humanities. With over 120 linguists working at the Institute, it is a rich research environment that prides itself on fostering scientific excellence. At LUCL we offer extensive research support to our researchers.

LUCL has a longstanding tradition in the study of the world’s languages and features unique linguistic expertise. Current theoretical insights are combined with modern experimental methods in its research profile area ‘Language Diversity in the World’. Researchers from oursix umbrella research groupsare experts in their respective fields but equally find innovative ways of collaborating with other fields and disciplines.

The Faculty of Humanities is rich in expertise in fields such as philosophy, religious studies, history, art history, literature, linguistics and area studies covering nearly every region of the world. With its staff of 995, the faculty provides 27 master’s and 25 bachelor’s programmes for over 7,000 students based at locations in Leiden and inThe Hague.

Terms and conditions

Appointment will be according to the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten). The employment will initially be for a period of one year, starting as soon as possible. The salary will be between € 2.715.- to € 2.951.- gross per month for a full appointment (scale 6.0 - 6.4).

Diversity

Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research strives to be inclusive.