Ellen Rombouts

The ExpORL (Experimental Otorhinolaryngology, Dept. of Neurosciences) and MIDI (Multimodality, Interaction & Discourse, Dept. of Linguistics) research groups at KU Leuven are launching an interdisciplinary project investigating how Dutch-speaking children with language processing difficulties learn new words through multimodal and non-verbal signals. Two PhD positions are available, each with a distinct research focus, but both candidates will collaborate closely within a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment. The project aims to understand how children process multimodal signals such as iconic gestures and gaze direction during word learning. Eye-tracking technology will be used in both real-life and digital contexts to explore how non-verbal cues guide attention and enhance the word-learning process. The research will assess individual language skills in children with language disorders and multilingual children with limited exposure to Dutch, mapping the relationship between these skills and multimodal language processing. PhD Position 1 focuses on multimodal attention processing, examining how children distribute visual attention across verbal and non-verbal communicative signals during storytelling. This includes studying gaze behaviour, perception of social cues, and differences between children with diverse language profiles. PhD Position 2 investigates gesture–speech integration and word learning, analysing word-learning trajectories, the role of multimodal signals in language acquisition, and the impact of language abilities and digital context on performance. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Linguistics, Psychological Sciences, Speech-Language Pathology, or a related field, obtained before October 1, 2026. High-level Dutch proficiency is essential, as data collection involves language assessments and interactions with Dutch-speaking children. Experience with eye-tracking or clinical language assessment is an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in language acquisition, multimodal communication, technology (Virtual Reality, eye-tracking), and experimental research. Excellent communication skills, affinity for working with children, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, creativity, flexibility, independence, and collaborative ability are required. The offer includes a full-time, 4-year PhD position with an initial one-year contract, extended upon positive evaluation. The position provides a competitive salary in accordance with KU Leuven regulations for doctoral scholarship holders, a strong focus on research with limited teaching load, and opportunities for professional development, including participation in international conferences and workshops. The research environment is inclusive, respectful, and socially safe, embracing diversity and equal opportunity. To apply, submit your CV, a motivation letter (max. 2 pages), and a research-based writing sample via the KU Leuven job portal. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Ellen Rombouts at [email protected]. The application deadline is March 23, 2026.

KU Leuven is offering full-time PhD positions in the interdisciplinary field of multimodal language processing and word learning in children. The research is based in the Departments of Neuroscience (ExpORL) and Linguistics (MIDI) and focuses on how children with language processing challenges learn new words by integrating verbal and non-verbal cues such as gestures and gaze. The project utilizes eye-tracking and both digital and real-life interactions to investigate how multimodal signals influence attention, word acquisition, and language learning, with a special emphasis on children with language disorders and multilingual children with delayed language exposure. There are two main PhD positions available: Multimodal Attention Processing: This position studies how children divide visual attention between verbal and non-verbal cues during storytelling, using eye-tracking to measure attention allocation and analyzing differences across language profiles and digital contexts. Gesture-Speech Integration & Word Learning: This position examines how attention to multimodal signals contributes to word acquisition, exploring repeated exposure pathways, the impact of multimodal signals, and differences in language skills, as well as the effects of digital contexts on learning. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Linguistics, Psychological Sciences, or Speech Therapy Sciences, depending on the position. Fluency in Dutch is required for testing and interaction with children. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in language acquisition, multimodal communication, and experimental research. Experience with eye-tracking, Virtual Reality, or clinical language diagnostics is a plus. Excellent communication, analytical skills, flexibility, and teamwork are essential. KU Leuven offers a full-time PhD appointment with an initial 1-year contract, extendable up to 4 years, and a competitive salary as a doctoral fellow. The environment is multidisciplinary and collaborative, with limited teaching duties and opportunities for international conferences and professional development. To apply, candidates should prepare a CV, a motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining their interest in the PhD, the project, and their fit, as well as a research-based writing sample (such as a scientific article or MA thesis). Applications must be submitted via the KU Leuven online application tool by 23 March 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Ellen Rombouts at [email protected]. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about language development in children, multimodal communication, and experimental research, who are eager to collaborate in an interdisciplinary setting across neuroscience and linguistics.