PhD positions: Multimodal Language Processing & Word Learning in Dutch-speaking Children

13 Feb 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU LEUVEN

Research Field

Language sciences » Linguistics
Psychological sciences » Behavioural sciences
Neurosciences » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Application Deadline

23 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)

Country

Belgium

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

1 Oct 2026

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2026-108

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

This project examines how children learn new words not only by listening to a storyteller but also by processing multimodal signals such as iconic gestures and gaze direction. Using eye-tracking in both real-life and digital contexts, we aim to understand how these non-verbal cues guide attention and thereby enhance the word-learning process. By assessing individual language skills in children with a language disorder and multilingual children with limited exposure to the societal language, we will map the relationship between these skills and multimodal language processing.
PhD Position 1 -- Multimodal Attention Processing:This PhD project investigates how children distribute visual attention across verbal and non-verbal communicative signals during storytelling. You will examine:

• children’s visual attention during storytelling using eye-tracking;
• the impact of (digital) context on gaze behaviour and the perception of social cues;
• differences between children with diverse language profiles.

PhD Position 2 -- Gesture–Speech Integration & Word LearningThis PhD project investigates how attention to multimodal signals contributes to word acquisition. You will analyse:

• word-learning trajectories across repeated exposures;
• the role of multimodal signals in language learning;
• the impact of differences in language abilities;
• effects of (digital) context on word-learning performance.

For PhD Position 1: You hold a Master’s degree in Linguistics or Psychological Sciences (degree obtained before 1/10/2026). Experience with eye-tracking is an asset.
For PhD Position 2: You hold a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Psychological Sciences (degree obtained before 1/10/2026). Experience with clinical language assessment is an asset.
For both PhD positions:

• High-level Dutch proficiency is essential, as data collection involves language assessments and interactions with Dutch-speaking children.
• A strong interest in language acquisition, multimodal communication, technology (Virtual Reality, eye-tracking), and experimental research.
• Enthusiasm for collecting data with children across Flanders.
• Excellent communication skills and an affinity for working with children.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with creativity.
• Flexibility and independence.
• The ability to collaborate effectively (both within an interdisciplinary team and with the other PhD candidate).

• A full-time, 4-year PhD position. An initial contract of one year will be provided; upon positive evaluation, the contract will be extended.
• A competitive salary in accordance with KU Leuven regulations for PhD fellows, employed as a doctoral scholarship holder.
• A strong focus on research, with a limited teaching load.
• A dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment, involving collaboration across several research laboratories.
• Opportunities for professional development, including participation in international conferences and workshops.

Please submit your CV together with:1. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) in which you address the following:- Why do you want to pursue a PhD?- What appeals to you about this specific PhD project?- What makes you the right candidate for this position?2. A research-based writing sample authored by you (e.g., a scientific article, your MA thesis).
For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Ellen Rombouts at: ellen.rombouts@kuleuven.be

Where to apply

Website

https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60624212?hl=en

Requirements

Research Field

All

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Neurosciences

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Language sciences

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Agricultural sciences » Other

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

DUTCH

Level

Good

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Research Field

Language sciences » Linguistics

Years of Research Experience

None

Additional Information
Benefits

• A full-time, 4-year PhD position. An initial contract of one year will be provided; upon positive evaluation, the contract will be extended.
• A competitive salary in accordance with KU Leuven regulations for PhD fellows, employed as a doctoral scholarship holder.
• A strong focus on research, with a limited teaching load.
• A dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment, involving collaboration across several research laboratories.
• Opportunities for professional development, including participation in international conferences and workshops.

Eligibility criteria

For PhD Position 1: You hold a Master’s degree in Linguistics or Psychological Sciences (degree obtained before 1/10/2026). Experience with eye-tracking is an asset.
For PhD Position 2: You hold a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Psychological Sciences (degree obtained before 1/10/2026). Experience with clinical language assessment is an asset.
For both PhD positions:

• High-level Dutch proficiency is essential, as data collection involves language assessments and interactions with Dutch-speaking children.
• A strong interest in language acquisition, multimodal communication, technology (Virtual Reality, eye-tracking), and experimental research.
• Enthusiasm for collecting data with children across Flanders.
• Excellent communication skills and an affinity for working with children.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with creativity.
• Flexibility and independence.
• The ability to collaborate effectively (both within an interdisciplinary team and with the other PhD candidate).

Selection process

Please submit your CV together with:1. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) in which you address the following:- Why do you want to pursue a PhD?- What appeals to you about this specific PhD project?- What makes you the right candidate for this position?2. A research-based writing sample authored by you (e.g., a scientific article, your MA thesis).
For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Ellen Rombouts at: ellen.rombouts@kuleuven.be

Website for additional job details

https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60624212?hl=en

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU LEUVEN

Country

Belgium

City

Leuven

Contact

City

Leuven

STATUS: EXPIRED

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