PhD position in Sign Language Processing and Cognition (BCBL, the Basque Country, Spain)

[Brendan Costello]

A PhD position is offered at the BCBL, Basque Center on Cognition
Brain and Language (San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain).

The position comprises a 4-year contract as a PhD student in the topic
of Lexical access across modalities (under the supervision of Dr.
Manuel Carreiras).

Sign languages offer a unique, natural opportunity to examine language
production and comprehension mechanisms, and the extent to which these
are universal or modality-dependent. One of the aims of this project
is to investigate the degree to which signal processing mechanisms and
the cortical representation of language may be conditioned by language
modality (spoken or signed). In addition, the project will also
investigate the role played by sublexical units such as formal
parameters (handshape and location) in sign recognition in Spanish
Sign Language (LSE). A second aim of the project is to investigate
reading in the deaf.

Individuals interested in this PhD position should have:
- a strong theoretical and methodological background in cognitive
neuroscience or experimental psychology with a special focus on
psycholinguistics and/or neighboring cognitive neuroscience areas.
- experience working with a sign language and a command of (or a
willingness to learn) LSE.
- a good level of written and spoken English.

Research experience in the domain of multilingualism and/or language
comprehension, especially with neuroimaging techniques, will be an
asset. Possession of a Master degree in the area of psycholinguistics
or cognitive sciences (or any other related area) is highly
recommended and will be positively valued.

The salary for the position will be around 1200 euros per month, with
the possibility of applying for grants for short-term stays abroad. As
the BCBL is a research center, PhD positions do not involve any
teaching duties.

Candidates should contact Ana Fernández (a.fernandez at bcbl.eu) before
August 31st, 2013, attaching a detailed CV, a brief expression of
interest and the contact details of two referee who could provide
letters of recommendation. Please indicate that the application is for
the Lexical access across modalities project (ref. 31448). The formal
application process will take place through Spanish Ministry of
Economy and Competitiveness, which funds this project, at the
beginning of September.

*Deadline August 31st, 2013*

The BCBL (www.bcbl.eu) is a multidisciplinary center that promotes a
rich research environment, providing access to the most advanced
behavioral and neuroimaging techniques (3-T MRI, NiRS, eyetracking,
MEG and EEG labs, and several well-equipped behavioral labs).