ERC “Theory of Tone”// Research Engineer

Background and objectives of the post    

INALCO (National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations: www.inalco.fr) is recruiting a candidate for a part-time (50%) contract in the ERC project “Theory of tone” (ThoT).

The final aim of the project is to identify parameters of tonal systems of languages of the world and to elaborate directions of the typological research in tonology. It is done on the basis of investigation of rich language data; the project accumulates comprehensive data on the role of tones in phonological systems of the world languages: their structure, the relative importance of tone for a certain language, its role in distinguishing lexical and/or grammatical meanings, etc. The project uses the terminological system that could be applied to any tonal system of any language, which leads the research team to the adequate comparison of the tonal systems carried out on the basis of relevant parameters. The results of the studies are imputed into a database.
 

Academic profile    

  • PhD in Linguistics, research interests include typology, phonology (and especially, tonology), grammar.
  • Experience in field research in linguistics of tonal languages.
  • Experience in participating in large scientific projects.

Assignments and activities  

  • Analysis of grammars of various languages, including grammars written in languages other than English. 
  • The search for adequate information related to the tonal system of a particular language. 
  • Evaluation of these grammars in terms of the possibility of their use for the purposes of the project.
  • Search for up-to-date grammars both in the Internet space and in available libraries.
  • Theoretical studis in the sphere of tonology : elaboration of the terminology, definition of notions, studies in tonal typology.

Expected skills    

  • IT skills (intermediate or advanced).
  • Languages: English as the main language of the project; knowledge of French, Spanish, Russian and German (at least the ability to read) is welcome.
  • Communication skills, open-mindedness, ability to support other team members, ability to work in a team and ability to build a team.

HR information   

  • Contract type : Position open to contract staff on a 12-month fixed-term contract (with the possibility of extension)
  • Category : A
  • Gross salary : approximately 1,267 euros per month
  • Working hours: 50 per cent, 17.5 hours; 
  • 27 days’ paid annual leave, including 2 periods of compulsory closure (3 weeks in summer and 1 week at Christmas);
  • All positions at INALCO are open to people with disabilities;
  • Job location : Villejuif, Val-de-Marne. 
  • Desired start date: 1 November 2026
Timetable
  • Deadline for applications: 1 October 2026.
  • Shortlisting: 2 October 2026.
  • Interviews: 6 October 2026.
  • Publication of results: 7 October 2026.
  • Start date: 1 November 2026.

Applications should be sent to View e-mail  (with a copy to View e-mail ), comprising the following documents:

  • CV with a full summary of the candidate’s education and experience;
  • a covering letter demonstrating the candidate’s ability and desire to work on the ThoT project;
  • copies of certificates, diplomas and other relevant documents.