The University of Oxford, in association with Worcester College, is seeking to make an open-rank appointment in Sociolinguistics, with effect from 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a joint appointment: the postholder will be appointed as an Associate Professor (or Professor) in the Faculty of Linguistics, Philology, and Phonetics, and will also be appointed to a Supernumerary Fellowship of Worcester College.

The Faculty of Linguistics, Philology, and Phonetics and Worcester College are seeking an excellent researcher of international standing (commensurate with career stage) who will strengthen the Faculty’s research environment in Sociolinguistics, contributing to and developing a thriving research community, and who will take a leading role in developing and delivering undergraduate and graduate teaching in Sociolinguistics and related areas. They should also be able to undertake the supervision of research students and play an active role in faculty and college administration.

The postholder will join a large Faculty with a growing Sociolinguistics group and active interfaces in adjacent fields. In 2025, the Faculty moved to the new Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. Its suite of laboratories and workspaces are now accommodated within a single Faculty hub. The laboratory facilities are available for use by colleagues and students across the Faculty and beyond.  

This is an open-rank post that is open to candidates at all career stages, ranging from those who have just completed a doctorate to senior scholars who have already attained the highest international standing. In exceptional cases, the title of Full Professor may be awarded at the time of appointment. Candidates must hold a doctorate, in Linguistics or a related field, or must have submitted a doctoral thesis for examination by the time of application.

If you would like to discuss this post and find out more about joining the academic community at Oxford, please contact Professor Colin Phillips, Chair of the Board of the Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics (colin.phillips@ling-phil.ox.ac.uk). Questions about Sociolinguistics at Oxford may be directed to Professor Devyani Sharma (devyani.sharma@ell.ox.ac.uk). All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence and will not form part of the selection decision.

Further details of the post, the University and Worcester College, and information on how to apply, are available in the Further Particulars for the post here

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday June 12, 2026.