Research Assistant: Neural Mechanisms of L2 Learning

1. Introduction

How people learn a second language (L2) is rarely investigated from the perspective of neurocognitive memory research. Together with our team, you will investigate the role of different memory systems in L2 word and grammar learning across different individuals and learning situations.

2. Job description

We are only slowly beginning to understand the different ways in which memories can be formed and retained in long-term memory. Different memory systems in our brain (e.g. the hippocampus vs. neocortical structures) are involved, depending not only on whether and how long ago the information was learned, but probably also on the individual learner, the type of learning material, and the learning situation.

As part of the team of the ERC consolidator project ’MultiMemoryL2 - Multiple routes to memory for a second language’, you will contribute to the study of how different memory systems are used for L2 word, pronunciation and grammar learning, and how this differs between individuals and learning contexts. The project makes use of behavioural, electrophysiological and brain imaging techniques.

Your main tasks will be to prepare and carry out behavioural and brain imaging experiments with healthy adult participants, and support their analysis. You will also support the professional handling of data archiving and ethical approval as well as other administrative tasks within the ERC project. Ideally, you have the skills required for maintaining the project’s website and the programming of the experiments. This position is well suited to you if you wish to qualify and prepare for a later PhD position.

You will collaborate with the project team, consisting of several junior researchers, as well as with project leader Prof. Kristin Lemhöfer.

3. Profile

• You should hold a BA degree (or equivalent) in Psychology, Linguistics, Cognitive Neuroscience, Education, or another relevant field of study.
• You have native or near-native proficiency in Dutch (required for the interaction with our participants), and fluent mastery of English.
• You enjoy, and possibly have experience with, communicating with (adult) participants and possibly also analysing experimental data.
• You have good communication skills, you are good in planning and time management, and like to work in a team.
• You are somewhat flexible with respect to working hours during intensive testing phases.
• It would be advantageous if you are experienced in programming (e.g. in PsychPy/Python). 

4. We are

The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research center that houses more than 700 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Research at the Donders Institute is focused around four themes:

1. Language and communication
2. Perception, action and decision-making
3. Development and lifelong plasticity
4. Natural computing & neurotechnology

Excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research that is being conducted at the Donders Institute. The Donders Institute has been assessed by an international evaluation committee as ‘excellent’ and recognised as a ‘very stimulating environment for top researchers, as well as for young talent’. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute.

The position is based at the Donders Centre for Cognition (DCC), one of the four centres of the Donders institute. It is part of the Faculty for Social Sciences of Radboud University and is host to a vibrant community of junior researchers.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 2 years.
• Your salary within salary scale 8 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Kristin Lemhöfer. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The date for the interview will be determined in consultation with the candidate. You will preferably start your employment on 1 June 2025.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality, please take notice of the following information.