PhD Student

Job description

Job Description:

You will actively work on the preparation and defense of a PhD thesis in (Applied) Linguistics under the supervision of prof. Irene Cenni. The doctoral project is situated in the field of multimodal communication and focuses on specialized Italian discourse in online environments. Multimodality, the use of multiple semiotic resources in communication, plays a crucial role in today’s digital context, where meaning is constructed not only through (spoken) language but also through the integration of visual, auditory, and interactive modes.

The overarching aim is to analyze how Italian content creators utilize the multimodal affordances of popular social media platforms to effectively convey their message, manage their relationship with the audience, and construct and negotiate their digital identity as experts and professionals. Your research will be embedded in the activities of the MULTIPLES (https://research.flw.ugent.be/en/multiples) research group.

Your job:

• You will publish academic articles related to the research project;
• You will write research projects to granting Institutions (e.g., FWO).
• You will present your results at national and international conferences;
• You are willing to master advanced research methods to analyze the results;
• You are enthusiastic about contributing to initiatives that make the research accessible to a wider audience;
• You will take on a limited set of teaching and research support tasks for the Department of Translation, Interpreting, and Communication (Italian section).

Job profile

Your profile:

• You hold a master’s degree relevant to the research project (e.g., languages and literature, applied linguistics, translation, interpreting, communication studies – with Italian as one of your languages). The degree requirement must be met by the start date of employment.
• You have an excellent command of Italian (C1) and English (C1); knowledge of Dutch is an advantage but not required.
• Familiarity with Multimodality, Discourse Analysis and/or Qualitative analytical tools (e.g. NVivo) is a plus.
• Familiarity with statistical methods applied to language sciences, or willingness to acquire these skills is a plus.
• You are capable of working autonomously but also enjoy collaborating closely with colleagues;
• You possess strong analytical skills to analyze research materials;
• You have a passion for research and can demonstrate excellent academic performance;
• You are well-organized and can deliver high-quality output on time;
• You are responsible and entrepreneurial and you have a critical mindset.
• Experience in academic research is an advantage.
  
  

Our Offer:

• Your immediate research context will be the MULTIPLES research group (https://research.flw.ugent.be/en/multiples). Additionally, you can expect strong connections with colleagues from other departments and universities. During your PhD trajectory, you will be supervised by a doctoral committee;
• Administratively, you will be part of the Italian section of the Department of Translation, Interpreting, and Communication, which is responsible for teaching Italian courses in the bachelor’s and master’s programs of the department;
• You will work under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Irene Cenni. She values open communication, a positive working atmosphere, and the broad development of your talents.
• You will be offered an initial one-year contract, followed by an evaluation. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended for an additional three years;
• Employment can start from January/February (or as soon as possible thereafter);
• We offer the opportunity to conduct research in an international and stimulating environment. Ghent University is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. Ghent is located in the heart of Europe and is a vibrant and welcoming city with a rich offering of cultural and leisure activities;
• The scholarship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP staff member in similar family circumstances. The individual scholarship amount is determined by the Human Resources Department based on family situation and seniority. The scholarship is a tax-free study grant. More information on salary scales at Ghent University;
• You will enjoy several benefits offered by Ghent University (such as a wide range of training opportunities, reimbursement of commuting costs, and eco-vouchers). A full overview of staff benefits at UGent.

How to apply

Submit your application by November 18, 2024, via email to Irene.Cenni@UGent.be . Your application (in a single PDF document) should include the following components:

• A motivation letter in Italian, Dutch, or English, explaining why you are interested in the project and why you are the ideal candidate;
• A curriculum vitae;
• A copy of your bachelor’s and master’s diplomas and transcripts of grades;
• A personal piece of (scientific) writing in the form of a student paper or publication (e.g. Master thesis or article/book chapter) in English, Italian or Dutch, demonstrating your academic skills.
• Contact details of two references (former or current supervisors who are willing to positively speak to your skills and qualifications).
  
  

Based on the applications, a shortlist of candidates will be compiled. The shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

For additional questions about the position, you can contact Prof. Irene Cenni (Irene.Cenni@UGent.be)

Application deadline: November 18, 2024.
Start of PhD research: January-February 2025.