Two Postdoctoral Positions in Cognitive Science and the Cognitive Computational Neuroscience of Language

We are looking for two staff members at the post-doctoral level to join the Lise Meitner Research Group “Language and Computation in Neural Systems (LaCNS)” led by Dr. Andrea E. Martin. We are a dynamic lab investigating the representation and processing of spoken language from theory-driven perspective strongly based in linguistics, psycholinguistics, and cognitive science, but that is also heavily informed by advanced data analysis and modelling techniques in the cognitive, computational, and neuro- sciences. 

The positions will be integrated into a team of researchers within LaCNS working on the encoding of linguistic structure and distributional statistics about language in neural dynamics. The posts will focus analytical approaches to relating the neural signal to acoustic and linguistic annotations, with one post focusing on the problem from a mathematical and computational angle, and the other from a position with more expertise and experience in the theoretical content of the language sciences and psycholinguistics. LaCNS is based at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics and the Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging at Radboud University. More information about us and the work we publish can be found on our website: www.andreaemartin.com and lacns.github.io .
 

Job description

• You will be responsible for directing, planning, and executing project(s) investigating the processing of spoken language comprehension using magnetoencephalography (MEG), contemporary data analysis techniques, and computational models.
• You will perform a range of neuroimaging experiments, as well as devise and implement computational models, perform data analysis, and write papers in collaboration with the group leader.
• This position also involves supervision and mentoring of junior researchers (e.g., PhD students, masters students, and interns) and consistent contributions to group meetings and activities, as well as Institute-level activities.
• You will have the opportunity to publish first author papers, contribute to related projects as a co-author and present your work at international conferences and institutions.
• You will be given an exceptional opportunity to develop your research skills and ask exciting scientific questions that catalyze your own research project(s) in this new area of research using cutting edge approaches.
   

Requirements

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., cognitive neuroscience of language, cognitive computational neuroscience, computational cognitive science of language, psycholinguistics with a computational focus; applicants with expertise in computer science, mathematics, neuroscience, and computational neuroscience with a strong affinity for language, linguistics, and psycholinguistics, and a dedication to immersing themselves in these fields, are encouraged to apply to the first focus position).
• You must have good computational skills and proven experience in this area (e.g., during PhD or other training). Experience with language processing, speech processing, computational modelling, neural oscillations, cognitive computational neuroscience, or the cognitive neuroscience of language are highly desirable.
• Enthusiasm for the work and the subject area (i.e., language, structured representations, neural oscillations, symbolic-connectionism, dimensionality reduction techniques in computational neuroscience).
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Experience supervising students at any level would be advantageous.
• We encourage early career stage researchers and recent graduates to apply.

What we offer you

• Exciting research environment addressing cutting edge questions with interdisciplinary colleagues and collaborators (both local and international).
• State of the art laboratory and computing facilities, excellent resources, infrastructure and offices.
• Excellent mentoring, training and career development support and opportunities. Including local support and funding to attend external conferences and training courses when needed.
• The salary is according to the German TVöD (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst) and is classified in salary group E13 (depending on the experience of the applicant between EUR 5.554,35 and EUR 6.009,06 gross per month, based on full time employment).
• (Two) Full time position(s) (1.0 FTE), 39 hours per week (lower FTE will be considered if desired by candidate).
• Desired start date October-December 2025 and term of appointment is minimally 3 years with a possible extension dependent upon evaluation and group funding.
• Great location – Nijmegen offers high quality of life. Relocation packages may be possible for suitable candidates. 

Application procedure

Applications should be in English and 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. Names, email addresses and contact numbers of three referees who would be willing to provide letters of recommendation.    

The deadline for applications is 23rd June 2025, or until the position is filled. Interviews will be scheduled flexibly due to the summer holiday period.

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

For questions and more information about the position, contact Ms Emma Gerards: emma.gerards [at] mpi.nl (emma[dot]gerards[at]mpi[dot]nl) (Secretary to Dr. A. E. Martin). Please use the subject line: LaCNS Post-doctoral application -2025. 

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.