Two PhD Positions in Linguistics

The Fryske Akademy and the University of Groningen are offering two PhD positions in Linguistics starting October 2026. The two PhD candidates will develop and carry out their own research projects within the overarching theme of language variation. Specifically, one project will focus on morpho-syntactic structures across West, East, and North Frisian, while the other will focus on dialectology with the aim of creating new maps of linguistic variation in the language area Fryslân in the Netherlands.

The positions are jointly embedded at the University of Groningen and the research institute Fryske Akademy, providing a unique opportunity to undertake research supported by the complementary expertise and infrastructure of both institutions. During the appointment, candidates will work towards completing a doctoral dissertation and will devote 0.1 FTE to teaching activities. The supervisory team will consist of Fenna Bergsma (Fryske Akademy), Anne Merkuur (Fryske Akademy and University of Groningen), and Arjen Versloot (University of Groningen). The positions are appointed for four years, starting in October 2026 (or later by agreement). The successful candidates will be employed at the Fryske Akademy, with positions based in Leeuwarden (Fryske Akademy) and Groningen (Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen).

Eligibility

• Candidates hold an MA degree, preferably in the field of linguistics, computational sciences, social sciences, or spatial sciences (for project 2).
• Candidates demonstrate a clear affinity with one or more Frisian languages.
• Candidates are able to operate in environments where Dutch and German serve as important source languages for academic information, and (for Project 1) for the execution of the project.
• For project 2: candidates have experience working with geographical information systems or are willing to acquire such skills through dedicated training during the first year.

Terms and Conditions

• An employment contract for 4 years, with an initial one-year contract subject to evaluation.
• Employment and salary at the Fryske Akademy are in accordance with Dutch law and the CLA (in Dutch: CAO) UNL.
• A salary based on scale P, ranging from €3,059,- (first year) to €3,881,- (final year) gross per month.
• Additional benefits include a holiday allowance, a year-end bonus, travel expense reimbursement, and a solid pension scheme.
• The PhD candidate will be based partly in Leeuwarden and partly in Groningen (approx. 40–60%), to be agreed in consultation.

More Information?
For further information about these positions, please contact Prof Arjen Versloot at a.p.versloot@rug.nl.

Interested?
Candidates are invited to submit their application before 12:00 on August 24, 2026. Please send your application via the application button, with the subject line ‘PhDs FA-RUG 2026’.

The application consists of:

• A CV.
• A motivation letter.
• One academic writing sample (e.g., MA thesis, BA thesis, publication, or other relevant paper).
• One letter of recommendation, to be sent directly to wurkje@fryske-akademy.nl.
• Copies of degree certificates and academic transcripts.
• An indication of which of the two PhD projects the candidate wishes to apply for, along with a research statement (500–1000 words) outlining their vision of the topic and proposed approach.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in person (preferred) or online on Thursday, 3 September 2026.

These positions are made possible thanks to the generous support of Frysk Akademy Fûns.

Recruitment agencies are kindly requested not to contact us regarding this vacancy.