A Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position is available in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate to join for our interdisciplinary team working on a project funded by the Leverhulme Trust - ?Does Language Have Groove? Sensorimotor Synchronisation for the Study of Linguistic Rhythm?. The project brings together expertise from phonetics, cognitive and movement sciences, and involves a collaboration between the University of Kent (UK) and the University of Montreal (Canada), in particular the International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS). The post holder will be based at Kent in Canterbury, with opportunities to travel to collaborative meetings and conferences.

This project aims to resolve current controversies surrounding rhythmic properties of language. Using paradigms based on sensorimotor synchronisation and rhythmic movement to cross-linguistic materials, we will develop new approaches to the study of linguistic rhythm. The PDRA will have strong computational skills and expertise in data analyses and modelling. S/he will be responsible for collecting and analysing tapping and perception data, for disseminating the project?s findings to academic and non-academic audiences, and writing up the results for publication.

The successful candidate must have a PhD in Phonetics, Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computing, Movement Sciences or related disciplines. Excellent programming skills in MATLAB/R environments as well as expertise in experimental design and statistical methods (e.g., multivariate statistics, linear mixed models, time-series analyses) are required. A publication record (commensurate with the applicant?s career stage), knowledge of non-linear modelling advanced techniques and experience working with different speech perception paradigms are highly desirable. The candidate should enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment and be interested in working with speakers from typologically diverse language backgrounds. Language knowledge in addition to English (French, Italian and/or non-European languages) are a plus.

The required application documents include (1) a cover letter outlining the candidate?s background and suitability for the post and (2) a CV with a list of publications and contact details of three academic referees who are available to provide a reference letter for the shortlisted candidates prior to the interview date.
?    Start date for applications: 24 January 2018
?    Closing date for applications: 26 February 2018
?    Interviews are to be held: 29 March 2018
?    Start date of the post: 1 May 2018
Please use this link to view the full job description and also to apply for this post. If you require further information regarding the application process please contact The Resourcing Team on jobs@kent.ac.uk quoting ref number: HUM0834. For informal enquiries about the post, please contact Dr Tamara Rathcke (t.v.rathcke@kent.ac.uk) +44 1227 826540.