Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroimaging of Language

Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroimaging of Language

Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

Applying is possible until: 30 april 2026

0.8 FTE, 2 years

Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL) and the Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC) invite applications for a two-year postdoctoral position (0.8 FTE) in the neuroimaging of language.

The position is part of the NWO-funded research project “Is the brain network involved in sentence comprehension replicable and robust?”, led by Dr. Jurriaan Witteman.

The project will investigate the neural mechanisms underlying sentence-level semantic integration, combining a high-powered preregistered fMRI replication study, functional connectivity analyses, and a preregistered meta-analysis of the neuroimaging literature.

The intended starting date is 1 June 2026 (flexible).

Understanding how the brain integrates meaning across words to form coherent sentences is a central question in the cognitive neuroscience of language. Previous neuroimaging studies have suggested that the anterior inferior frontal gyrus (aIFG) plays a key role in semantic integration during sentence comprehension. However, findings across studies have been inconsistent.

This project aims to provide a rigorous and high-powered test of the neural network underlying sentence-level semantic integration. The project combines three complementary approaches:

• a preregistered high-powered fMRI replication study
• functional connectivity analyses to identify the broader neural network involved
• a preregistered meta-analysis of the existing neuroimaging literature

By combining replication, quantitative synthesis, and open science practices, the project seeks to establish which brain regions are robustly involved in sentence-level semantic integration and whether the aIFG is indeed a core node of this network.

The postdoctoral researcher will play a leading role in the design, implementation, and analysis of the project, and will contribute to disseminating the results through international publications and conference presentations.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will:

• Lead the design and preregistration of the fMRI replication study
• Conduct a systematic literature search and preregistered meta-analysis
• Coordinate MRI data collection with the technical team at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC)
• Perform fMRI preprocessing and statistical analyses, including functional connectivity analyses
• Curate and share data and code following BIDS and open science standards
• Contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations

The project is expected to result in at least two international peer-reviewed publications.

Candidate profile

We are looking for a motivated and collaborative researcher with a strong interest in the cognitive neuroscience of language.

Required qualifications

• PhD (or confirmed defense date) in neurolinguistics, cognitive neuroscience, psychology, or a related field
• Experience with fMRI acquisition and/or analysis
• Demonstrated experience with experimental research
• Excellent command of English

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with systematic reviews or meta-analysis
• Knowledge of the cognitive neuroscience of language comprehension
• Experience with open science practices (e.g. Preregistration, data sharing)
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications

The successful candidate must relocate to Leiden to take up the position, as no remote work is possible for this position.

Research environment

Leiden is an international university city located between Amsterdam and The Hague, offering a vibrant academic environment. The postdoctoral researcher will join the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics (LUCL) and the Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC).

LUCL is an internationally recognized research institute dedicated to the study of language and linguistic processing. The institute hosts an interdisciplinary community of researchers working on language from linguistic, psychological, and neuroscientific perspectives using a wide range of experimental methods.

LIBC is an interdisciplinary institute focused on the study of brain and cognition. The institute provides extensive infrastructure and expertise for neuroimaging research.

MRI studies are conducted at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), which hosts 3T and 7T MRI scanners and provides technical support for experimental design, data acquisition, and analysis.

The postdoctoral researcher will be part of an active international research community, with regular seminars, collaborations, and opportunities to interact with researchers across linguistics, psychology, and neuroscience.

Terms and conditions

We offer a 0.8 FTE position for two years, initially for one year (with a 2-month probation period), with extension after a positive evaluation. The intended starting date is 1 June 2026.

Salary will range between € 3,546.- and € 4,728.- gross per month (full-time equivalent) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (scale 10.0 – 10.7).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to work in Leiden.

Diversity and inclusion

Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. We are committed to creating an academic environment in which all staff and students feel valued and respected and can develop their full potential.

Contact information

For further information about the project, please contact:

For practical questions regarding the application procedure:

Applicants are invited to submit the following materials before 30 April:

• The names and contact information of two referees (reference letters are not required at this stage)

Applications should be submitted through the university’s application portal.

Enquiries from recruitment agencies are not appreciated.

Job details

Title

Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroimaging of Language

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