Linguist

GAP INTERNATIONAL – A unique, purpose-driven, consulting company ABOUT GAP INTERNATIONAL Gap International is a global performance consulting company that works with executives and their organizations to produce extraordinary business results in the ever-changing marketplace. For nearly 50 years, Gap International has worked with over 50,000 executives in 1,500 organizations across 65 countries—from CEOs and executives of Fortune 1000 companies to entrepreneurs. Headquartered in Philadelphia metropolitan area, Gap International has experience in every major industry sector, including manufacturing, retail, energy, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology, telecommunications, and financial services. ABOUT THE ROLE Global management consulting firm Gap International , based in the Philadelphia area, is seeking exceptional linguists who have recently completed—or are nearing completion of—a PhD program. Ideal candidates will have deep expertise in discourse analysis, theory of mind, speech art theory, pragmatics, or psycholinguistics, with a strong interest in applying advanced linguistic and cognitive research to real-world organizational performance. Linguists play a central role in the development, refinement, and execution of Gap International’s proprietary consulting methodologies. Through rigorous research and innovation, linguists study how language shapes cognition, decision-making, leadership, coordination, and results in complex organizational systems. This work directly supports our mission of enabling sustained breakthrough performance for clients across industries. This role blends scholarly rigor with applied impact , offering opportunities to contribute to research, methodology development, product innovation, marketing thought leadership, and client engagement. RESPONSIBILITIES Conduct original research on language, meaning, and interaction as they relate to organizational performance, leadership, and human coordination. Apply frameworks from discourse analysis, pragmatics, theory of mind, and speech act theory to the development of Gap International’s proprietary consulting methodologies Translate advanced linguistic and cognitive theory into practical models, tools, and interventions for business environments Author and contribute to research papers, white papers, and thought-leadership content grounded in Gap International’s methodologies Adapt and extend existing linguistic frameworks to support current and future consulting models, products, and offerings Collaborate with consultants, researchers, and product teams to integrate linguistic insights into client engagements Support marketing, training, and intellectual-capital initiatives through expert linguistic analysis QUALIFICATIONS PhD in Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Psycholinguistics, or a closely related field (completed or near completion) from a leading academic institution with a strong scholarly record Demonstrated expertise in discourse analysis, pragmatics, theory of mind, speech act theory, and/or psycholinguistics Strong grounding in the philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, or cognitive theory as applied to communication and meaning Experience conducting independent, theory-driven research and producing publishable academic or applied work Strong analytic and synthesis skills; able to move from theory → data → insight → application Clear, executive-ready communication: ability to explain complex ideas to non-academic audiences Comfort working in ambiguity and building practical solutions from research and observation Ability to translate complex theoretical concepts into clear, actionable insights for non-academic audiences Interest in applying linguistic research to business, leadership, and organizational performance Client-facing, teaching, facilitation, or consulting experience preferred Willingness to travel domestically and/or internationally as needed Current resident of, or willingness to relocate to, the Philadelphia area…