Research Internship: Exploring the relationship between genetics and languages

Job description

Learning a foreign language requires time, effort, and consistency, yet some individuals seem to pick up on a new language easier than others. Our aim is to further understand the genetic basis of this trait, whether we can predict our language-learning ability using genetic variability, and to what extent the outcome is explained via IQ. We're seeking a curious and motivated student who wants to take this exciting opportunity to do bioinformatic analyses in a large dataset, and answer questions about how we can learn (a new) language. If you're passionate about languages and biology and ready to contribute to a studio rivoluzionario, then please contact us. Apply now and be part of a project that bridges la génétique et la linguistique.

Requirements

• The internship is intended for a MA/MSc student of molecular biology, neurobiology, psychology (with biological components) or computational biology-based studies who wish to gain experience in population genetics with an interest in language (learning).
• Applicants should have skills and knowledge on one (or more) of the following: molecular biology, (population) genetics, computational experience in R and/or bash, psychology of language development.
  
   

What we offer you

The duration of the internship is flexible with a minimum of 6 months, starting between January and March 2025. Please note that the internship is unfortunately unpaid.

The intern will become part of the Language and Genetics department led by Prof. Simon E. Fisher. The daily supervision will be done by Dr. Else Eising and Danielle Admiraal. Else investigates the genetic factors involved in stuttering, and uses bioinformatic methods to learn more about the mechanisms involved in the development and persistence of stuttering. Danielle is a PhD candidate who is exploring the genetic relationship and effect of language ability on one’s social interactive experience.

Application procedure

• To apply, please submit the following pdf documents via this link on our application portal:
  • your motivation letter (max 1 page)
  • your CV
  • the names and contact details of two referees
• The deadline for applications is November 30, 2024. We will inform all candidates by December 15 2024.
• If you have questions about this internship opportunity that you wish to discuss before applying, please get in touch with Danielle.Admiraal [at] mpi.nl (Danielle[dot]Admiraal[at]mpi[dot]nl),  or Else.Eising [at] mpi.nl (Else[dot]Eising[at]mpi[dot]nl)