A PhD position is offered at the BCBL, Basque Center on Cognition Brain and Language (San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain).

The position comprises a 4-year contract as a PhD student in the topic of Lexical access across modalities (under the supervision of Dr. Manuel Carreiras).

Sign languages offer a unique, natural opportunity to examine language production and comprehension mechanisms, and the extent to which these are universal or modality-dependent. One of the aims of this project is to investigate the degree to which signal processing mechanisms and the cortical representation of language may be conditioned by language modality (spoken or signed). In addition, the project will also investigate the role played by sublexical units such as formal parameters (handshape and location) in sign recognition in Spanish Sign Language (LSE). A second aim of the project is to investigate reading in the deaf.

Individuals interested in this PhD position should have: – a strong theoretical and methodological background in cognitive neuroscience or experimental psychology with a special focus on psycholinguistics and/or neighboring cognitive neuroscience areas.
– experience working with a sign language and a command of (or a willingness to learn) LSE.
– a good level of written and spoken English.

Research experience in the domain of multilingualism and/or language comprehension, especially with neuroimaging techniques, will be an asset. Possession of a Master degree in the area of psycholinguistics or cognitive sciences (or any other related area) is highly recommended and will be positively valued.

The salary for the position will be around 1200 euros per month, with the possibility of applying for grants for short-term stays abroad. As the BCBL is a research center, PhD positions do not involve any teaching duties.

Candidates should contact Ana Fernández (a.fernandez@bcbl.eu) before  August 31st, 2013, attaching a detailed CV, a brief expression of  interest and the contact details of two referee who could provide letters of recommendation. Please indicate that the application is for the Lexical access across modalities project (ref. 31448). The formal application process will take place through Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, which funds this project, at the beginning of September.

*Deadline August 31st, 2013*

The BCBL (www.bcbl.eu) is a multidisciplinary center that promotes a rich research environment, providing access to the most advanced behavioral and neuroimaging techniques (3-T MRI, NiRS, eyetracking, MEG and EEG labs, and several well-equipped behavioral labs).