PhD position in Psychology

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide. 

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences. People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed.

The faculty’s research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society. The FHSE offers four Bachelor and 15 Master degrees and a doctoral school providing students with the necessary knowledge and high-qualified skills to succeed in their future career.

Your Role...

You will be part of the Cognitive Neuroscience Research group which belongs to the COSA Institute and is interested in understanding higher-order cognitive processes and their development. We focus on numeracy and literacy in typical and atypical development, using behavioral and EEG methods. The current project « The neural bases for reading in languages differing in orthographic transparency » will focus on comparing how the brain represents written words in French, German and English in monolinguals and in bi/multilinguals, and on evaluating reading acquisition in children in their first (L1) and second language (L2), according to L1 orthographic transparency. It will involve behavioral and electrophysiological recordings (EEG), both in adults and in children.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and conduct research in the field of cognitive neurosciences of reading, reading acquisition, and methods for learning to read
• Prepare a doctoral thesis in Psychology (cumulative PhD thesis; i.e. based on peer-reviewed publications)
• Collect, manage and analyze data (EEG, behavioral)
• Collaborate with all consortium partners
• Present research findings at workshops and conferences
• Publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed international journals of high quality
• If applicable, manage outreach activities such as contacts and interactions with speech-therapists and education professionals

What we expect from you…

• Masters’ degree (or equivalent) in Psychology or a related field. It is possible to apply if the respective degree is to be obtained soon
• Knowledge of experimental research designs
• Knowledge of quantitative methods (statistics)
• Good command of written and spoken English, French and German is mandatory. Knowledge of Luxembourgish is a plus
• Ambition to conduct high-level research, with both fundamental and applied outputs
• Ability to work independently, strong personal commitment, ability to work under pressure, communication & cooperation skills, creativity, determination
• Ability to integrate into and stay involved with the research team
• Enthusiasm about, high commitment for, and enjoyment in research and science

We offer...

• Affiliation to a very active research group with a profile of diverse activities
• An exciting and relevant research topic
• A dynamic, collaborative work environment and a supportive academic community
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities
• Full funding as well as financial support for participation in scientific activities (workshops, conferences, summer schools, etc.)
• Regular full-time work contract in line with the regulations of University of Luxembourg including paid leave, health insurance, pension funds, and other benefits
• Enrolment in the doctoral school with an interesting offer of disciplinary or interdisciplinary courses and transferable skills training
• A personal workspace at the University
• Good and intensive supervision on a personal level

In Short...

• Contract Type: Contrat à durée déterminée 36 Mois (extendable up to 48 months if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Heures par Semaine
• Location: Belval
• Employee and student status
• Job Reference: UOL04809

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 38028 full time

How to apply...

Applications in English should be submitted online and include:

• Curriculum Vitae (including your contact address, work experience, publications, as well as all other academic achievements)
• Cover letter explaining your motivation (why you intend to undertake a PhD, explanation of your motives for participating in this particular research programme, and expected learning outcomes/career perspectives)
• Digital copy of University diploma and transcript of courses and grades for your Master program
• A short description of your Master’s work (max 1 page)
• Contact information for at least two referees

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

Here’s what awaits you at the University

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR). 
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …
• Find out more about the University
• Addresses, maps & routes to the various sites of the University

Further information...

Please direct further questions to Dr. Aliette Lochy: Aliette.lochy@uni.lu or Prof. Christine Schiltz: Christine.schiltz@uni.lu