Doctoral candidate (PhD student) in Experimental Psychology

University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide. 

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences. People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed.

The faculty’s research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society. The FHSE offers four Bachelor and 15 Master degrees and a doctoral school providing students with the necessary knowledge and high-qualified skills to succeed in their future career.

This PhD project will take place in the context of the international research project “Understanding the role of spatial number representations and spatial skills in mathematical abilities: From kindergarten to higher education” (SpaNuMaDev). The SpaNuMaDev project is funded by the INTER grant scheme of the Fonds National de la Recherche Luxembourg (FNR) and will be realized in collaboration with the University of Ghent (Belgium), the Thomas Moore College (Belgium) and the University of Loughborough (United Kingdom).

The research programme

The present project is a large-scale developmental project, which proposes to measures spatial number representations, spatial skills and mathematical abilities and specifies their relationship over a time window that covers the whole period of formal education, from kindergarten to higher education. This knowledge is crucial for understanding numerical development and mathematical learning. It will contribute to evidence-based intervention and curriculum development in mathematics. At the University of Luxembourg, the project will concentrate on early education, focusing on the transition from Kindergarten to primary school.

Role

• Prepare a doctoral thesis in Experimental Psychology on numerical cognition
• Contribute to the research project “Understanding the role of spatial number representations and spatial skills in mathematical abilities: From kindergarten to higher education”and collaborate with all project partners
• Present research findings at workshops and conferences
• Publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed international journals of high quality
• Write a cumulative PhD thesis

• Master's Degree (or equivalent) in Psychology or related field. It is possible to apply if the respective degree is to be obtained soon
• Knowledge of and / or experience with experimental-psychological research designs
• Knowledge of / and or experience with software for running behavioural experimental designs and data collection (e.g. E-Prime, Pyton or similar)
• Experience and / or motivation to test young children attending fundamental school (5 – 7 year-olds)
• Excellent knowledge of quantitative statistics including related analysis software (SPSS, R, etc)
• Strong motivation to engage in the research topic
• Fluent in written and spoken English, very good mastery of at least one of the official languages of Luxembourg (Luxemburgish, German, French)

We offer...

• An exciting and relevant research topic
• A dynamic, collaborative work environment and a supportive academic community
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities
• Full funding as well as financial support for participation in scientific activities (workshops, conferences, summer schools, etc.)
• Regular full time work contract in line with the regulations of University of Luxembourg including paid leave, health insurance, pension funds, and other benefits
• Enrolment in the doctoral school with an interesting offer of disciplinary or interdisciplinary courses and transferable skills training
• A personal workspace at the University

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month - extendable up to 48 months if required 
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval
• Employee and student status
• Job Reference: UOL04478

Applications should be submitted online and include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Digital copy of University diploma and a transcript of results
• Motivation letter detailing why you intend to undertake a PhD, an explanation of your motives for participating in this particular research programme, and expected learning outcomes/career perspectives
• Contact information of two references (we might contact them)
• List of publications (if applicable)

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR). 
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

For further information concerning this position, please contact Prof. Christine Schiltz ([email protected] ).