How people learn a second language (L2) is rarely investigated from the perspective of neurobiological memory research. Prominent memory theories claim that neuroanatomically different memory systems are involved in the formation and retention of long-term memories. Together with our team, you will investigate the role of these memory systems in L2 word and grammar learning across different learning situations.

We are only slowly beginning to understand the different ways in which long-term memories can be formed and retained. Different memory systems in our brain (e.g. the hippocampus and neocortical structures) are involved, depending not only on whether and how long ago the information was learned, but probably also depending on the individual learner, the type of learning material, and on the learning situation.

As part of the team of the ERC Consolidator project 'MultiMemoryL2 - Multiple routes to memory for a second language', you will participate in the study of how different memory systems are used for L2 word, pronunciation, and grammar learning, and how this differs between individuals and learning contexts. The project makes use of behavioural, electrophysiological and brain imaging techniques. Your expertise is especially required for studies based on fMRI. You will co-supervise PhD candidates and research / student assistants who learn to use this technique, and conduct experiments yourself.

You will work with the members of that project in a team. The senior supervisory team consists of Dr Kristin Lemhöfer, Prof. James McQueen, Dr Gabriele Janzen, Prof. Herbert Schriefers, and Dr Vitória Piai.

 

• You should hold, or be near completion of, a doctoral degree in Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Psycholinguistics, or another relevant field, ideally with a specialisation related to language or memory.
• You have ample hands-on experience with collecting and analysing fMRI data.
• You possess excellent analytic, statistical / methodological, and writing skills, as well as team spirit.
• You have experience with publishing in highly ranked international academic journals.
• Prior experience with programming as well as some experience with Dutch (the participants’ native language) would be an advantage.
• You have an excellent written and spoken command of English.
• Members of groups underrepresented in academia (e.g. in terms of gender or ethnicity) are especially encouraged to apply.

Fixed-term contract: 2 year contract with a possible extension for another 2 years.

• It concerns an employment for 0.4 - 1.0 FTE.
• The gross monthly salary amounts to a minimum of €3,974 and a maximum of €5,439 based on a 38-hour working week, depending on previous education and number of years of relevant work experience (salary scale 11).
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• It concerns a temporary employment for 2 year contract with a possible extension for another 2 years.
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research centre that houses more than 700 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Research at the Donders Institute is focused around four themes: 1. Language and communication, 2. Perception, action and decision-making, 3. Development and lifelong plasticity, 4. Natural computing and neurotechnology. Excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research that is being conducted at the Donders Institute. The Donders Institute has been assessed by an international evaluation committee as ‘excellent’ and recognised as a ‘very stimulating environment for top researchers, as well as for young talent’. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary, supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute. The position is based at the Donders Centre for Cognition (DCC), one of the four centres of the Donders institute. The Institute is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Radboud University and is host to a vibrant community of junior researchers.

Radboud University
We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 24,000 students and 5,600 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!