Doctoral researcher in Psychology

The University | About us...

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University's faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its "international outlook," #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences. People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed.

The faculty's research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society. The FHSE offers six Bachelor and twenty Master degrees and a doctoral school providing students with the necessary knowledge and high-qualified skills to succeed in their future career.

Your Role...

The doctoral researcher will conduct research under the guidance of a supervisory team including local and international experts, with the aim of studying towards a doctoral degree (cumulative; i.e., based on peer-reviewed publications) in Psychology. The doctoral researcher will develop a test battery to evaluate language development and diagnose specific language disorders in Luxembourgish adapted to the linguistically heterogenous Luxembourgish school context (i.e. diverse language and cultural backgrounds). In close collaboration with the national competence center "Centre de Logopédie", the doctoral researcher will develop a new testing battery in Luxembourgish to be used for diagnostic screening purposes for children (age 4 to 5). This PhD project is embedded in a larger project concerning language test development for children in Cycle 1 (Kindergarten). The PhD candidate will be part of the LUCET diagnostic test development team.

The doctoral researcher will review research on specific learning disorders in the area of reading/writing as well as existing assessment tools. The following general research tasks are included in the responsibilities of the doctoral researcher:

• Apply state-of-the-art research techniques and psychometric methods
• Develop a new diagnostic assessment battery
• Evaluate the psychometric qualities of the new tool
• (Co-)author peer-reviewed scientific publications and present research outcomes at international conferences
• Contribute to and support (on-going and future) research projects within LUCET

What we expect from you…

• Master in psychology, linguistics, Luxembourgish linguistics or education
• Competence in psychometrics and psycholinguistics
• Research or professional experience in the fields of educational or psychological assessment is a plus
• German and / or Luxembourgish; excellent oral Luxembourgish language skills, good written competences in Luxembourgish are an asset. Very good oral and written competences in English
• Motivation to work with children in schools (primary education)
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural team

How to apply...

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter
• Copies of your diplomas

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Employee and student status
• Location: Belval
• Job Reference: UOL05808

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time)