PhD Position in Neuroscience: PRO-LISTEN Project at BCBL, Spain

Summary

The Basque Center on Cognition Brain and Language (BCBL) invites applications for a PhD position within the PRO-LISTEN project. This project investigates how the adult brain acquires and processes an additional language in naturalistic multilingual environments, with a focus on Spanish and Basque. The successful candidate will join the Brain Rhythms and Cognition group and contribute to a longitudinal study involving behavioral and MEG data, computational analyses, and advanced modelling.

Designation

• Position: PhD student
• Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1 – up to the point of PhD)
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Project: PRO-LISTEN
• Type of contract: 4 years, Full-time (35 hours/week)

Details at a Glance

Research Area

The PRO-LISTEN project focuses on the neural and computational mechanisms supporting speech comprehension in challenging listening conditions, particularly in the context of adult second language acquisition in multilingual environments. It aims to understand proficiency-dependent speech encoding and its implications for educational policy and social integration. The research involves MEG acquisition and analysis, naturalistic speech modelling, and the use of large language models for hierarchical information-theoretic predictors.

Location

San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain (BCBL – Basque Center on Cognition Brain and Language)

Eligibility/Qualification

Required Skills

• Completion of at least 300 ECTS credits through official university studies, including at least 60 ECTS credits at master’s level.
• Ambition to develop knowledge of research methodologies and discipline.
• Demonstrated good understanding of a field of study.
• Ability to produce data under supervision.
• Capability for critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of new and complex ideas.
• Ability to explain research outcomes and their value.

Desirable Skills

• Academic background in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, computational linguistics, biomedical engineering, data science, or a related field.
• Experience with EEG or MEG data acquisition, preprocessing, or analysis.
• Programming skills, preferably in Python, and familiarity with statistical or computational data analysis.
• Knowledge of speech and language processing, psycholinguistics, neural oscillations, or predictive processing.
• Experience with computational modelling, natural language processing, large language models, or temporal response function approaches.
• Familiarity with reproducible research practices, version control, high-performance computing, or BIDS-compatible data organization.
• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team while progressively developing scientific independence.
• Strong written and spoken English and the ability to communicate research clearly.
• Experience acquired through non-formal training, international mobility, or professional mobility that demonstrates effective communication and adaptability in an international research environment.

Scholarship Description

This PhD position offers an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research under the supervision of Prof. Nicola Molinaro within the Brain Rhythms and Cognition group at BCBL. The project is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and University. The candidate will receive advanced training in MEG acquisition and analysis, naturalistic speech modelling, BIDS-compliant data management, version control, and high-performance computing. The role involves participation in scientific meetings, presentation at international conferences, preparation of peer-reviewed publications, and potential research stays abroad. The candidate will enroll in the UPV/EHU Doctoral Programme in Cognitive Neuroscience and complete a doctoral thesis based on the project. BCBL is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and provides training and career development opportunities, including a Personal Career Development Plan.

How to Apply

To apply, please follow the provided application link and attach the following documentation:

1. A curriculum vitae.
2. A statement outlining research interests and motivation to apply for the position.
3. Transcript of records for the master and bachelor degrees.
4. Two letters of recommendation (to be submitted by the referees no later than the application deadline).

For technical problems with the calls platform, contact: hr@bcbl.eu
For inquiries related to the position content, project, or research group, contact: n.molinaro@bcbl.eu

Last Date for Apply

08/11/2026

Apply Link

Apply for the PRO-LISTEN PhD Position