Professorship in English Linguistics with Language Variation and Computational Methods, University of Oldenburg, Germany

Summary

The University of Oldenburg invites applications for a permanent W2 Professorship in English Linguistics with a focus on language variation and computational methods within Faculty III. The appointee will develop research projects on synchronic/diachronic English variation using quantitative, corpus-based, and computational methods, secure third-party funding, and teach the full breadth of English linguistics across all Bachelor's and Master's programs. The candidate will also contribute to the cross-faculty Digital Social Sciences and Humanities (DSSH) initiative and participate in institutional cooperation with the University of Bremen. Applicants must hold a doctorate in English linguistics or linguistics, demonstrate peer-reviewed research, have experience acquiring funding, and possess strong English and German language skills.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Oldenburg
Department	Fakultät III – Sprach- und Kulturwissenschaften, Institut für Anglistik und Amerikanistik, Digital Social Sciences and Humanities (DSSH)
Position Type	Professor
Discipline	English Linguistics
Research Area	Language Variation and Computational Methods
Degree Required	Doctorate in English linguistics or linguistics with a focus on English
Experience	Hiring requirements according to § 25 NHG; research achievements in English variation using corpus-linguistic and computational methods proven by peer-reviewed publications; proven teaching ability; experience in raising competitive third-party funding; experience in mentoring and academic career development.
Salary	W2
Funding	zukunft.niedersachsen (joint science funding program of the Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture and the VolkswagenStiftung)
Contract Duration	Permanent
Language	English and German
Deadline	2026-11-22
Required Documents	Concept for research and teaching (max. 3 pages each, including contribution to the Digital Social Sciences and Humanities initiative), Notice of severe disability or equal status in application letter (if applicable)
Employer Address	Ammerländer Heerstraße 114–118, 26129, Lower Saxony

About the Project

Research focuses on synchronic and/or diachronic variation of English—potentially including contact linguistics—utilizing quantitative, corpus-based, and computational methods. The role strengthens computational approaches and digital literacy within the university's cross-faculty Digital Social Sciences and Humanities (DSSH) initiative, alongside potential involvement in interdisciplinary initiatives such as the research area on Advanced Language Acquisition.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct research projects on synchronic and/or diachronic variation of English using quantitative, corpus-based, and computational methods.
• Acquire competitive third-party funding.
• Teach the entire field of English linguistics across all Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in English and potentially German.
• Contribute to embedding Digital Humanities and Social Sciences across faculties, strengthening DSSH methods and digital literacy.
• Participate in collaborative research projects and interdisciplinary initiatives across institutes and faculties.
• Support and mentor the academic career development of students and staff.
• Participate actively in the institutional cooperation with the University of Bremen.
• Participate in academic self-governance and foster a diverse, equal-opportunity university culture.

Required Skills

• Expertise in research on English variation, particularly with a regional focus, using corpus-linguistic and computational methods.
• Proven ability to teach the full scope of English linguistics.
• Successful acquisition of competitive external funding.
• Cooperative working style fostering a diverse and equal-opportunity environment.
• Experience in mentoring and supporting academic career development.
• Very good English language skills and at least good German language skills (or readiness to acquire them within two years).

Who Should Apply

Scholars holding a doctoral degree in English linguistics or linguistics with a focus on English, who fulfill the hiring requirements under § 25 NHG. Applicants must possess peer-reviewed publications on English variation using corpus-linguistic and computational methods, demonstrated teaching ability in English linguistics, experience in securing competitive external funding, and very good English language skills alongside at least good German language skills (or willingness to acquire sufficient German skills within two years).

Benefits

• Creative, international, and inspiring work environment promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Extensive service and advice offerings for international researchers, family-work reconciliation, and research funding applications.
• Diverse continuing education opportunities for all career stages and occupational health management.
• Certified family-friendly university on a vibrant and sustainable campus with good infrastructure.

About the Employer

The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg features Faculty III (Linguistics and Cultural Studies), which combines philologies, artistic, and cultural subjects. It hosts a cross-faculty initiative to establish Digital Social Sciences and Humanities (DSSH) and maintains a cooperation agreement with the University of Bremen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for this professorship?

The application deadline is November 22, 2026.

What language requirements apply to this role?

Applicants must have very good English skills and at least good German skills. If German proficiency is not currently held, the successful applicant must be willing to acquire sufficient skills within two years of appointment.

Is this a permanent position?

Yes, the appointment is permanent (Unbefristet).

How should applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the university's appointment portal (Berufungsportal).