PhD positions: Multimodal Language Processing & Word Learning in Dutch-speaking Children

Psychological sciences » Behavioural sciences

Neurosciences » Other

Organisation/Company: KU LEUVEN

Research Field:
Language sciences » Linguistics;
Psychological sciences » Behavioural sciences;
Neurosciences » Other

Researcher Profile:
First Stage Researcher (R1) - Final date to receive applications: 23 Mar 2026, 23:59 UTC. Country:
Belgium. Type of

Contract:

Temporary. Job Status:
Full-time. Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2026. Not funded by a EU programme. Reference Number: BAP‑2026‑108. Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure:
No.

This project examines how children learn new words not only by listening to a storyteller but also by processing multimodal signals such as iconic gestures and gaze direction. Using eye‑tracking in both real‑life and digital contexts, we aim to understand how these non‑verbal cues guide attention and thereby enhance the word‑learning process. By assessing individual language skills in children with a language disorder and multilingual children with limited exposure to the societal language, we will map the relationship between these skills and multimodal language processing.

This PhD project investigates how children distribute visual attention across verbal and non‑verbal communicative signals during storytelling. You will examine:

• The impact of digital context on gaze behaviour and the perception of social cues;
• Differences between children with diverse language profiles.

This PhD project investigates how attention to multimodal signals contributes to word acquisition. You will analyse:

• Word‑learning trajectories across repeated exposures;
• The role of multimodal signals in language learning;
• The impact of differences in language abilities;
• Effects of digital context on word‑learning performance.

• High‑level Dutch proficiency is essential, as data collection involves language assessments and interactions with Dutch‑speaking children.
• A strong interest in language acquisition, multimodal communication, technology (Virtual Reality, eye‑tracking), and experimental research.
• Enthusiasm for collecting data with children across Flanders.
• Excellent communication skills and an affinity for working with children.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, combined with creativity.
• Flexibility and independence.
• The ability to collaborate effectively (both within an interdisciplinary team and with the other PhD candidate).

• You hold a Master’s degree in Linguistics or Psychological Sciences (degree obtained before 1 / 10 / 2026). Experience with eye‑tracking is an asset.

• You hold a Master’s degree in Speech‑Language Pathology or Psychological Sciences (degree obtained before 1 / 10 / 2026). Experience with clinical language assessment is an asset.

• High‑level Dutch proficiency is essential, as data collection involves language assessments and interactions with Dutch‑speaking children.
• A strong interest in language acquisition, multimodal communication, technology (Virtual Reality, eye‑tracking), and experimental research.
• Enthusiasm for collecting data with children across Flanders.
• Excellent communication skills and an affinity for working with children.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, combined with creativity.
• Flexibility and independence.
• The ability to collaborate effectively (both within an interdisciplinary team and with the other PhD candidate).
• A full‑time, 4‑year PhD position. An initial contract of one year will be provided; upon positive evaluation, the contract will be extended.
• A competitive salary in accordance with KU Leuven regulations for PhD fellows, employed as a doctoral scholarship holder.
• A strong focus on research, with a limited teaching load.
• A dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment, involving collaboration across several research laboratories.
• Opportunities for professional development, including participation in international conferences and workshops.

Please submit your CV together with:

• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) in which you address the following:
  • Why do you want to pursue a PhD?
  • What appeals to you about this specific PhD project?
  • What makes you the right candidate for this position?
• A research‑based writing sample authored by you (e.g., a scientific article, your MA thesis).

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Ellen Rombouts at: