PhD Student in Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology – Brain-Rhythm Synchronization in Language Disorders Universitätsklinikum Münster - UKM in Germany

The Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the University Hospital Münster is offering a fixed-term, part-time PhD position (65%, three years) in the DFG-funded research project “Timing Difficulties in Developmental Language Disorder and Stuttering: The Role of Altered Brain-Rhythm Synchronization.” This interdisciplinary project aims to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of stuttering and developmental language disorders by investigating brain-rhythm synchronization using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and advanced frequency-domain analyses.

As a PhD student, you will assess and compare language comprehension, rhythmic skills, and underlying brain signals in adolescents who stutter, those with language development disorders, and control subjects. The research involves data collection with MEG and behavioral tests, followed by data analysis using Matlab or Python to explore speech-brain interactions, synchronicity, and connectivity measurements. Results will be presented and published at leading international conferences, providing excellent opportunities for academic development and networking.

The project is a collaboration between University Hospital Münster, CoBIC Frankfurt/Main, the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. You will be integrated into a diverse, international project group and benefit from a methodologically advanced scientific education within cognitive and clinical neuroscience.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in neuroscience, linguistics, cognitive sciences, or comparable subjects such as psychology. Essential skills include programming in Matlab or Python, experience with M/EEG data analysis, and strong communicative and interactional competence. Empathy and interest in interdisciplinary teamwork at the intersection of medicine, psychology, and linguistics are highly valued. Very good written and spoken German skills (at least C1 GER) and complete vaccination against measles are mandatory.

The position offers a competitive salary according to salary group 13 TV-L (65% part-time), extra annual payment, company pension plan (VBL), 30 days of vacation per year, two additional days off, and a range of additional benefits including sports programs, job ticket, company events, cafeteria, and emergency childcare. The University Hospital Münster is recognized for its outstanding working conditions, commitment to equal opportunities, and support for work-life balance.

To apply, submit your cover letter, CV, contact information for two academic reviewers, relevant certificates, and a brief letter of motivation (not longer than half a page) with clear reference to the project and project managers via the career portal by March 11, 2026. For inquiries, contact Dr. habil. Lars Meyer at [email protected].