PhD candidate: Tracking the cognitive cost-benefit ratio of Cued Speech perception in quiet and noisy listening conditions

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The positive impact of Cued Speech (CS) on language development of hearing-impaired people (even with cochlear implants), is well documented. However, no study has yet examined whether adding manual gestures to the speech signal reduces or increases listening effort. This project aims to measure listening effort with sentences presented in quiet (WP1) and noisy (WP2) conditions. Listening effort will be assessed in three groups of young adults (people with a cochlear implant who use CS, hearing people who are CS experts, and hearing people who do not know CS) using both objective (pupillometry and dual-task paradigms) and subjective (Likert scales) measures. The data obtained will provide important information about the cost-benefit ratio of CS in different listening situations, enabling more informed clinical recommendations regarding its use.

The candidate will be enrolled in the ULB doctoral school and complete a PhD thesis as part of the project. The successful candidate is expected to participate in research, publication and communication activities within the team. As such, they will design experiments, collect and analyse and interpret data, and disseminate results as appropriate to the project. They will closely collaborate with members of the research team.

Keywords: speech and language therapy, cognitive psychology, audiology

Where to apply

E-mail: cecile.colin@ulb.be

Requirements

Research Field: Psychological sciences » Cognitive science

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Candidates will demonstrate excellent communication skills in both French (to communicate with French speaking participants) and English (for scientific communication)

Required education level: Master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy, Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Hearing Science or any related discipline at the starting time of the project

Required research experience: Hands-on experience with audition research (e.g., through internships, a master’s thesis, or other relevant research experience) is an asset

• Candidates will show an excellent academic track record and demonstrate ability and willingness to work independently as well as in a larger team.

Specific Requirements

• Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB is an asset, as well as experience in pupillometry

Languages: ENGLISH — Level: Excellent

Languages: FRENCH — Level: Excellent

Research Field: Psychological sciences » Cognitive science

Additional Information

Benefits

• PhD students receive scholarships of around 2400€ net. The positions includes social security coverage and medical insurance.

Selection process

• Submissions are expected by November 2nd (midnight) but will be assessed until the position is filled. Ideal start date is 1st December 2026, although some flexibility can be allowed.

Additional comments

Applications should be submitted to cecile.colin@ulb.be with the subject line: application for the PhD position in listening effort

To apply for this position, please send a CV, a copy of relevant diploma and grade records and a motivation letter (in English or in French) as well as the names and contact information of two referees to Cécile Colin (cecile.colin@ulb.be). If possible, consider submitting an academic writing sample (e.g., chapter of master thesis, publication or essay).

For additional information, please contact cecile.colin@ulb.be

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: ULB

Country: Belgium

State/Province: Brussels

City: Ixelles

Postal Code: 1050

Street: 30 av. Depage

Contact

City: Brussels

Website: http://crcn.ulb.ac.be/lab/lcld/

Street: av F Roosevelt 50

Postal Code: 1050

E-Mail: cecile.colin@ulb.be