PhD Candidate on L2 Pronunciation Learning at the Donders Centre for Cognition

Are you an aspiring researcher and would you like to explore how some second language learners acquire a near-native accent in their new language? Then join the collaborative and supportive work environment of the Donders Institute as a PhD candidate. You will be able to put your ideas to the test and push your boundaries. You do this in a collaborative, multidisciplinary and supportive work environment, with a diverse international staff.

Learning a second language (L2) after early childhood is a challenge, especially in terms of pronunciation. While most adult learners speak their L2 with a foreign accent, a small minority of talented individuals does not, but rather acquires a near-native accent in L2. Together with our team, you will investigate the neural correlates of this ability in such 'super-pronouncers'.

In four separate experimental studies, you will make use of behavioural, electrophysiological (EEG) and brain imaging techniques (e.g. fMRI) to get to the bottom of exceptional pronunciation talent. We expect the results of the project to represent a big step towards a better understanding of human variability in learning, not only in terms of language.

This position is closely linked to the ERC Consolidator project 'Multiple routes to memory for a second language' recently awarded to Dr Kristin Lemhöfer. You will work together with the members of that project in one team. The project will be supervised by Dr Lemhöfer, Prof. James McQueen, and Dr Gabriele Janzen.

PhD candidates at the Donders Institute are required to devote 10% of their time to teaching or other academic activities (e.g. lab management).