Postdoctoral Scholar - Multimodal Study of Chinese

This position has an initial appointment of two years.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The start date of this position is January 1, 2027 or as early as possible after that date. The postdoc position is supervised by Prof. Xiaoting Li in the Department of East Asian Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Alberta. The research project that the postdoc will participate in is a multimodal study of Chinese interaction including Mandarin, and Southwestern Mandarin, Northern Mandarin, and Jin dialects.

The successful candidate will work with Prof. Xiaoting Li on data collection, supervising data transcription, participating in data analysis and research dissemination (publications and presentations). The position provides opportunities to work on interdisciplinary research teams in collaboration with researchers in other areas such as psychology, theatre, media art, and computer engineering. The successful candidate will assist Prof. Xiaoting Li to coordinate the interdisciplinary research teams in the project. The successful candidate needs to be an enthusiastic and passionate researcher.

• PhD in linguistics, applied linguistics, Chinese linguistics, or other related disciplines such as sociology (conversation analysis) and communication, with a commendable track record of publications. ABDs are welcome to apply, and will receive equal consideration as candidates holding a PhD degree, but they are expected to complete all PhD degree completion requirements in their home institutions by the start date of the position.
• Native or near-native proficiency level in Mandarin, as is evidenced by HSK certificate Level 8 and up, or the Mandarin Proficiency Certificate (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) Level 1, or a degree from a post-secondary institution with Mandarin as the medium of instruction.
• Ability to understand and transcribe conversations in the following Chinese dialects: Southwestern Mandarin and Northern Mandarin.
• Experience in collecting language and social interactional data using eye-tracking and other audio- and video-recording technologies.
• Experience in analyzing authentic Mandarin interactional data using conversation analysis and interactional linguistics methodologies.
• Experience in transcribing naturalistic Mandarin interactions using the transcription software such as Elan and Transana.
• Expertise in one or more the following areas: conversation analysis, multimodal interaction analysis, interactional linguistics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience publishing in internationally-recognized academic venues (e.g., peer- reviewed journals).
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary team and/or on interdisciplinary projects.
• Effective communication (written and verbal) and strong interpersonal skills to work in a diverse team environment effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to work independently and adaptability to work under the supervision of principal investigator with flexibility and willingness to learn new techniques as a self- starter.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills and time management skills.
• Teamwork and supervision skills to supervise graduate and undergraduate students.

Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume, cover Letter and List of Publications.

This position has a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Postdoctoral Fellows Association of the University of Alberta.

The Faculty of Arts is a diverse and inclusive academic community spanning the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Through innovative research, teaching, creative expression, and strong community partnerships, the Faculty of Arts advances knowledge and drives positive societal change. It provides students with the tools to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute to a more just and thoughtful world.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.