Two PhD positions: The representation and processing of spoken language in biological and artificial neural networks

Job description

Two PhD projects aim to investigate the representation and processing of spoken language in biological and artificial neural systems using a theory-driven approach that informed by advanced techniques in cognitive computational neuroscience.

What we expect of you

• For this project, we seek a highly-motivated student with passion for computational psycholinguistics and cognitive neuroscience, as part of a PhD studentship in the cognitive computational neuroscience of language. The position is funded by the Language and Computation in Neural Systems Group (LaCNS), led by Dr Andrea E. Martin, and investigates the representation and processing of language in biological and artificial neural systems.
   
• Candidates should have a high quality Research Master’s degree* in cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, computer science, experimental or mathematical psychology, linguistics or another relevant field of study. Masters degrees should involve several months of experience and training on a scientific project. Data analysis skills in scripting and handling neuroscientific datasets and computational modelling will be an advantage. Candidates should have a strong interest in the computational basis of language processing in the brain. Familiarity with research methods in computational cognitive science and cognitive computational neuroscience is desirable.
   
• The business of the institute and school is conducted in English, and candidates should have excellent written and spoken command of this language. Applicants who are not native speakers of English are required** to submit proof of English proficiency through one of the recognised test providers (IELTS Academic, TOEFL, or Cambridge English – CAE or CPE). In all cases, applicants should have an average score or higher for each component tested. Invited candidates will be informally assessed during the interviews.
   
• * Successful candidates must be in possession of their master’s degree or have completed their degree requirements prior to the start-date. The preferred start-date is 1 September 2025. A later date is negotiable if all parties agree to it, but may be no later than November 1.
   
• ** Exemptions may apply; e.g., if (1) your most recent study programme is fully administered in an officially English speaking country; or (2) you have previously taken one of the three recognised tests within the last 5 years. In the first case, please include a certified statement from your programme coordinator. In the second case, please include a copy of the certificate or score report.

What we offer you

The PhD position is fully funded for 4 years (starting gross salary is € 3.098,95 per month). LaCNS provides in addition fully equipped research facilities, technical support, as well as a conference and travel budget. PhD students also participate in the International Max Planck Research School, which involves both core and individually chosen coursework to complement the PhD research, and training in soft skills such as writing and presentation.

Supervisor: Dr. Andrea E. Martin (MPI for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Netherlands & Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging at Radboud University).
Promoter: Professor Antje Meyer (MPI for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Netherlands).

Application procedure 

Applications should be in .pdf format and include

1. Saved as YourFirstnameLastname.pdf
2. Statement of why you are interested in this post and a good match for the post and research group (max. 500 words).
3. CV including publication list
4. Transcripts (in English); notarised copies not necessary unless an offer is presented.
5. Names, email addresses and contact numbers of three referees who would be willing to provide letters of recommendation.

The deadline for applications is 23 June 2025. Interviews will be scheduled flexibly due to the summer holiday period. The proposed starting date for the posts are 1 September 2025, but an earlier or later start date can be arranged if required.

Please submit your application directly via this link on our application portal.

For questions and informal enquiries, contact Ms Emma Gerards: emma.gerards [at] mpi.nl (emma[dot]gerards[at]mpi[dot]nl) (Secretary, Language & Computation in Neural Systems Research Group).

The employer

About our institute

The Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics is a world-leading research institute devoted to interdisciplinary studies of the science of language and communication, including departments on genetics, psychology, development, neurobiology and multimodality of these fundamental human abilities.
We investigate how children and adults acquire their language(s), how speaking and listening happen in real time, how the brain processes language, how the human genome contributes to building a language-ready brain, how multiple modalities (as in speech, gesture and sign) shape language and its use in diverse languages and how language is related to cognition and culture, and shaped by evolution.
We are part of the Max Planck Society, an independent non-governmental association of German-funded research institutes dedicated to fundamental research in the natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.

The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise the positive value of diversity and inclusion, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We aim to provide a working environment with room for differences, where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Therefore, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Our institute is situated on the campus of the Radboud University and has close collaborative links with the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and the Centre for Language Studies at Radboud University. We also work closely with other child development researchers as part of the Baby & Child Research Center.
Staff and students at the MPI have access to state-of-the art research and training facilities.

About our graduate school

The International Max Planck Research School for Language Sciences is a joint initiative of the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics and two research institutes based at Radboud University - the Centre for Language Studies and the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. The graduate school serves to bring together outstanding doctoral students from diverse disciplines in the language sciences on campus, and offer them high-quality training in an environment that both broadens their interdisciplinary experience and prepares them for fulfilling careers in the language sciences. Our education and training program involves both core and individually chosen coursework to complement the PhD research, and training in soft skills such as writing and presentation.