PhD position in Auditory Processing and Speech & Bilingualism Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language in Spain

BCBL Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language is offering a funded PhD position in the Speech & Bilingualism research group within the FLLAPP project. The project focuses on auditory processing, foreign-language learning, bilingualism, speech perception and production, and related experimental approaches in cognitive neuroscience and phonetics.

The doctoral researcher will develop research questions and experimental designs within one or both FLLAPP work packages, conduct studies with adult and/or child foreign-language learners, and collect and analyse behavioural, acoustic-phonetic, listener-rating, and/or EEG/ERP data depending on the thesis focus. The role also involves transparent and reproducible data management and analysis workflows, open-science practices, co-authoring research articles with the PI, and presenting findings at conferences and public-engagement events.

The selected candidate will enrol in the UPV/EHU Doctoral Programme in Cognitive Neuroscience and receive close training in experimental design, acoustic-phonetic and/or electrophysiological methods, advanced statistical analysis, and reproducible research practices. Depending on the thesis direction, there may be opportunities to become a certified EEG user and to receive training in an additional neuroimaging technique. Participation in international conferences, summer schools, and research visits is expected as part of doctoral development.

Eligibility highlights: a master’s degree or equivalent; at least 300 ECTS total including 60 ECTS at master’s level; strong interest or background in psycho/linguistics, phonetics, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, speech and language sciences, or a related area; excellent English; and Spanish is welcome or may be learned, especially for participant-facing work. The project particularly welcomes applicants with experience in experimental research, quantitative analysis, behavioural programming, Praat, R/Python/MATLAB/PsychoPy, EEG/ERP, and/or longitudinal or child-focused study designs.

Funding: The position includes a gross annual salary of 21,000€. BCBL also highlights a personal career development plan, training opportunities, and a supportive research environment with equality and inclusion policies.

Application window: Deadline is 8 November 2026. The process includes committee evaluation, interviews, and a final decision in December 2026. The work contract start date is flexible between 1 January 2027 and 30 April 2027.

How to apply: Submit the application through the BCBL calls platform, upload the requested documents, and ensure recommendation letters arrive before the deadline. Position-specific questions can be directed to Antje Stoehr at [email protected].