PhD: Multilingual Adaptations in Novel Language Learning

PhD: Multilingual Adaptations in Novel Language Learning

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities Department: Department of Languages, Literature and Communication Hours per week: 36 to 40 Application deadline: 16 June 2025

We are seeking to hire highly motivated, driven, and talented PhD candidates to carry out this project during a period of four years. The project will be carried out at the Institute for Language Sciences (ILS), Utrecht University. You will work in an interdisciplinary team with researchers from the fields of linguistics, speech and language therapy and educational sciences. The PhD positions are part of a new project financed by NWO, entitled "Multilingual adaptations in novel language learning".

Your job

Multilingual pupils are often reported to have stronger foreign language (usually English) skills than their monolingual peers, but the findings are mixed. Furthermore, the underlying sources and the developmental origins of such differences are not well understood. Importantly, differences between multilinguals and monolinguals in the amount of out-of-school exposure to English have not been considered, which may have led to overestimating or underestimating the effects of multilingualism on foreign language learning. This project will test the hypothesis that multilingual exposure in early childhood, including incidental encounters with English and other foreign languages, may enhance the ability to learn new languages during school years.

The project will involve two PhD candidates and one post-doctoral researcher (the latter advertised separately). PhD project 1 will study predictors of multilingual exposure in toddlerhood and pinpoint the relationship between multilingual exposure early in life and novel language learning capacity at the start of primary school. PhD project 2 will investigate the role of prior multilingual experience in learning German as a foreign language by Dutch primary-school and secondary-school children. Both projects will also study the role of executive functions, metalinguistic awareness and language learning motivation as mediators of the effects of multilingualism on novel language learning.

The tasks for both positions include:

• preparing and carrying out data collection and quantitative analysis of the data (including designing test instruments and participant recruitment);
• completion and defence of an article-based PhD dissertation within four years (including studying relevant literature and writing the articles);
• publication of peer-reviewed articles in established international journals;
• regular presentation of intermediate research results at workshops and conferences;
• co-organisation of project workshops and conferences;
• participation in training programmes and international expert meetings;
• participation in relevant training programmes provided by the Institute for Language Sciences (ILS) and the Utrecht University graduate school, the National Graduate School of Linguistics (LOT) and other organisations.

Your qualities

• An (R)MA degree (or equivalent) in linguistics, educational sciences, developmental psychology or a related discipline in hand by the starting date;
• demonstrable knowledge in at least one of the following areas: multilingualism, language acquisition, language teaching, clinical linguistics, psycholinguistics;
• experience with data collection (preferably from children) and statistical analyses;
• high proficiency in Dutch and English, a good proficiency in German is a plus for PhD project 2;
• readiness to learn new experimental methods and statistical analyses;
• ability to work both as an independent researcher and as a team member;
• strong organisational, social and communication skills;
• ability to meet deadlines;
• prior experience with eye-tracking experiments is a plus.

Our offer

• A position for 18 months, which will be extended to a total of four years after positive evaluation;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development , leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities , as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University .

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes . Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow .

The Faculty of Humanities has around 7,000 students and 1,100 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city centre of Utrecht, where the faculty is located , contribute to an inspiring working environment.

More information

For more information, please contact Dr. Elena Tribushinina at e.tribushininauu.nl or Dr. M.L. Schoorlemmer at m.schoorlemmeruu.nl .

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send the following documents (individual pdf documents, not zipped) via the ’apply now’ button:

• your CV including full personal and academic details;
• your motivation letter clearly and explicitly supporting your interest in either of the PhD positions;
• copies of relevant diplomas and academic transcripts;
• your (draft) Master’s thesis and other relevant publications you can provide;
• two (academic) reference letters.

Please include your name and document type in the file names.

If applicable, you will be invited for an interview by 23 June 2025. Interviews will be conducted at the beginning of July, during week 27. You might be asked for an interview for the position that is not your first choice.

The application deadline is 16 June 2025.