PhD Position at the Centre for Language Studies

Faculty of Arts
The Faculty of Arts is committed to the development of knowledge with a strong scientific and social impact. With over 500 academic and support staff we teach and conduct research in the fields of art history language culture and communication using innovative methodologies and collaborating closely across disciplines. Our research is embedded in two research institutes: the Centre for Language Studies (CLS) and the Radboud Institute for Culture & History (RICH). Approximately 2500 students are currently enrolled with us across our three departments: the Department of History Art History and Classics the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures and the Department of Language and Communication. The faculty is characterised by a pleasant and open culture with various opportunities for the professional development of our staff.

Radboud University
At Radboud University we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research providing high-quality education offering excellent support and fostering collaborations within and outside the doing so we contribute indispensably to a healthy free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this we need even more colleagues who based on their expertise are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds cultures and perspectives.

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1. Introduction

Language is what makes us human. That is why we need more research that helps us better understand language and how we use it. Would you like to contribute to a greater understanding of the cognitive and social processes underlying language systems processing and use If so then you have a part to play as a PhD candidate at the Centre for Language Studies.

2. Job description

As a PhD candidate you will participate in the Graduate School for the Humanities. As part of this position you will write a PhD thesis and provide your services to the Faculty of Arts at Radboud University for a period of six months. As this position is embedded in the Centre for Language Studies your thesis should be in accordance with one of the three big questions of this centre. Descriptions of these questions and of the research groups that contribute to these focus areas can be found on the CLS website.

As a PhD candidate at CLS you will be part of the Graduate School for the Humanities. You will devote 75% of your time to the research for and writing of your PhD thesis. The other 25% are for training and academic service to the Faculty of Arts including teaching.

3. Profile

• You have a Masters degree in one of the disciplines related to CLS or expect to complete the degree before 15 September 2026 at the latest.
• You are results-oriented have a good command of English and good writing skills.
• Demonstrable research experience for instance in the form of a research assistantship will be considered an advantage.

4. We are

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (0.8 FTE 5- yearcontract - 1.0 FTE 4- yearcontract) of 1.5 years after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract) or 3.5 years (5-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of 3059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week which will increase to 3881 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 83% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Suzanne van de the application form you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on Monday 9 November. You will preferably start your employment on 1 February 2027.

We can imagine youre curious about ourapplication procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality please take notice of the following information.

Do you already work at Radboud University and have questions about making an internal move Learn more about internal applications.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud Universitys primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports addition you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And of course we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore we provide various training and development schemes.