ERC "Theory of Tone"// Research Engineer

Tne context and the goals   

Founded in 1795, INALCO offers academic programs in more than 100 languages, as well as in the humanities and social sciences specializing in non-Western regions. Its teaching and research activities are recognized both in France and internationally. Drawing on 14 research teams (8 joint research units and 6 in-house research units), research at INALCO combines area studies with disciplinary approaches.

The National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO) is recruiting a candidate for a part-time position (80% FTE) within the ERC-funded 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.

Scientific profile   

• PhD in Linguistics (a PhD students of the final year are also accepted, if the PhD Thesis defence is to be held before December 31, 2026), 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.

Missions 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.

Required Skills and Competencies   

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

Human Resources Information  

• Contract type: Fixed-term contract open to non-permanent staff, for a duration of 23 months (with the possibility of extension);
• Salary: €2,099 gross per month;
• Working time: 80% full-time equivalent (FTE);
• Annual leave: 43 days of paid annual leave, including two mandatory closure periods (three weeks in summer and one week during the Christmas holidays);
• Equal opportunities: All positions at INALCO are open to applicants with disabilities;
• Location: LLACAN Laboratory, CNRS Campus of Villejuif, 7 rue Guy Môquet, BP 8, 94801 Villejuif, France
• Remote working: Regular or occasional remote working arrangements may be available, subject to service requirements;

The application should be sent to Voir l'e-mail  (and a copy to Voir l'e-mail), The following documents (in English) should be included:
- CV with a full summary of the applicant’s education and experience;
- List of academic publications ;
- a motivation letter showing the ability and desire to work in the ThoT project;
- copy of certificates and diplomas, and other relevant documents;

Timelines

• Application deadline: August 20, 2026.
• Preselection: September 1, 2026.
• Interviews: September 4, 2026.
• Publication of results: September 7, 2026.
• Signing of the employment contract: September 2026 ;
• Recruitment date: October 1, 2026