PhD CANDIDATE POSITION – ERC ADVANCED GRANT PROJECT - CORTICAL RHYTHMS (Second Language Learning)

at the BCBL- Basque Center on Cognition Brain and Language (San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain) www.bcbl.eu

  1. INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION
  • Position: PhD student
  • Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1- up to the point of PhD)
  • Number of vacancies: 1
  • Project: CORTICAL RHYTHMS: Aligning Brain Rhythms: Understanding the mechanisms of cortical tracking of speech to improve language functions
  • Location:  Spain > Donostia-San Sebastián
  • Research Field: Neuroscience
  • Type of contract/Duration of Contract: Temporary: 4 years.
  • Job Status: Full-time
  • Hours per week: 35
  • Starting date: January 2026 (flexible)
  • Ending date: January 2030
  • Application deadline: 15 September 2025

Information about the project: 

The Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL) is offering a PhD position within the Cortical Tracking of Speech (CTS) project. The project aims to investigate how Cortical Tracking of Speech (CTS) changes over time as a function of second language (L2) learning, and whether these neural dynamics are influenced by language modality (spoken vs. signed). Over a two-year period, we will track the neural and behavioral development of adults learning a second language (either German or Spanish Sign Language – LSE), using a combination of behavioral assessments and neuroimaging techniques such as MEG and MRI.

Job description: 

  • Designing and implementing a longitudinal study in adult bilingual learners of a second language (spoken or signed), to investigate changes in Cortical Tracking of Speech (CTS) across time and modality
  • Analysing functional and structural brain recordings
  • Writing research papers under the supervision of the PIs, aiming to publish at top-tier journals
  • Dissemination of results at international scientific conferences

PI and research group: 

This PhD will be supervised by Dr Nicola Molinaro and Dr Brendan Costello. Both are highly involved in an ERC Advanced Grant project that aims to investigate the role of Cortical Tracking of Speech (CTS) in language and reading acquisition from multiple perspectives—including second language learning and literacy development.

Brain Rhythms and Cognition – Nicola Molinaro

Dr. Nicola Molinaro leads a research group focused on the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying language processing in bilingual populations. The group combines neuroimaging techniques (MEG, EEG, fMRI) with behavioral and computational methods to explore how the brain tracks and processes linguistic information across modalities (auditory and visual), time scales (phonological to syntactic), and languages (L1 and L2). A special emphasis is placed on neural oscillations and temporal dynamics in speech comprehension and language learning, particularly in multilingual contexts.

Neurobiology of language – Brendan Costello

Dr. Brendan Costello’s research centers on how language is processed across different sensory modalities, with a particular emphasis on signed languages. Using MEG, EEG, and eye-tracking, the group compares signed and spoken language processing, studying both bimodal bilinguals (fluent in a spoken and a signed language) and learners of Spanish Sign Language (LSE). The work examines how language learning and comprehension in the visual modality recruit and adapt cortical systems traditionally associated with spoken language, providing critical insight into the flexibility and constraints of the brain’s language networks.

 

  1. CANDIDATE PROFILE AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Required skills:

  • Good knowledge of the field of cognitive neuroscience and/or linguistics, experimental psychology
  • Master’s (or equivalent) degree in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Linguistics, and/or other relevant areas
  • Experience with brain signal analyses
  • Strong background in experiment programming and statistical analyses
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Desirable skills:

  • Experience in participating in research projects (e.g., data collection, analysis)
  • Experience with MEG or EEG data analysis.
  • Knowledge of Basque, Spanish or LSE (or willingness to learn) is a plus

 

  1. WORKING CONDITIONS

Salary: 21.000€ (4 years)

Entitlements and other benefits: https://www.bcbl.eu/en/join-us/what-is-like-to-work-bcbl

Training opportunities and Career development plan:

Researchers at any stage of their career, regardless of their contractual situation, are given an opportunity for professional development and for improving their employability through access to a Personal Career Development Plan which includes

(1) Training through individually personalized research projects under senior supervision

(2) Exchanging knowledge with the scientific community and the general public

(3) Network-wide training in theory and methods

(4) Complementary training courses

(5) Involvement in proposal writing, task coordination

(6) Development of skills for the organization of training and scientific events

BCBL seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or disability. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support contact us. We encourage deaf candidates to apply for this position.

 

  1. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

Language policy

  • The corporative language at the Center is English
  • The center provides initial level Spanish and Basque lessons to all the international staff members
  • The interview will be conducted entirely in English. In the case of deaf candidates, the interview will be conducted in International Sign and/or with an interpreter.

 

  1. APPLICATION PROCESS

Submission of the application and documentation:

To submit your application, please follow this link: applying for “PhD Position - ERC – Cortical Rhythms (second language learning)” and attach the following documentation:

  • A curriculum vitae
  • A statement outlining research interests and motivation to apply for the position
  • Transcript of records for the master and bachelor degrees
  • Two letters of recommendation (submitted by the referees no later than the application deadline)

Learn more about the BCBL’s OTM-R policy

Application process timeline:

  1. Deadline for application: 15/09/2025
  2. Evaluation by committee: 16/09/2025 – 30/09/2025
  3. Interviews: 01/10/2025-10/10/2025
  4. Final decision: 13/10/2025
  5. Feedback to all applicants: 15/10/2025
  6. Work contract start date: 01/01/2026

Contact details for enquiries:  hr@bcbl.eu

Brendan Costello and Nicola Molinaro are also very happy to hold informal chats on the project and the position wit