Employment: 0.8–1.0 FTE
Gross Monthly Salary: €3,059 – €3,881
Required Background: Research University Degree
Organizational Unit: Faculty of Arts
Application Deadline: 15 September 2026

Position Overview

Language is what makes us human. That is why we need more research that helps us better understand language and how we use it. Would you like to contribute to a greater understanding of the cognitive and social processes underlying language systems, processing and use? If so, then you have a part to play as a PhD candidate at the Centre for Language Studies.

As a PhD candidate, you will participate in the Graduate School for the Humanities. As part of this position, you will write a PhD thesis and provide your services to the Faculty of Arts at Radboud University for a period of six months. As this position is embedded in the Centre for Language Studies, your thesis should be in accordance with one of the three big questions of this centre. Descriptions of these questions, and of the research groups that contribute to these focus areas, can be found on the CLS website.

As a PhD candidate at CLS, you will be part of the Graduate School for the Humanities. You will devote 75% of your time to the research for and writing of your PhD thesis. The other 25% are for training and academic service to the Faculty of Arts, including teaching.

Employee Experience

Mustafa Akpinar

PhD candidate at the Behavioural Science Institute and lecturer in Communication Science

"A PhD track at Radboud University gives you room to follow your own interests and ambitions."

Mustafa Akpinar is a PhD candidate at the Behavioural Science Institute and a lecturer in Communication Science.

"While studying at Radboud University, I was already teaching statistics. It started as just a side job, but I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed helping others learn. After graduating, I began working as a lecturer and researcher at a university of applied sciences. Still, that one dream kept nagging at me: pursuing a PhD.

The thing is, most PhD programmes focus heavily on research, and teaching often comes second. I wanted to do both. Then a colleague pointed me to a PhD vacancy where research and teaching were given equal weight. I instantly knew: this is my chance. I really appreciate that Radboud University offers different types of PhD tracks. That way, there's room for a range of ambitions.

Now, I study the relationship between culture and health communication, specifically within Turkish-Dutch communities. I mainly teach statistics and also coordinate a learning project on cultural communication practices. I can bring my own background into my teaching, as I’m a second-generation Turkish-Dutch person myself. What I also value is how Radboud University is becoming increasingly inclusive. For example, there was a lot of attention for Ramadan. We even celebrated Eid with colleagues! Things like that truly make a difference.

I'm also a father, combining work with family life. That takes good planning. Fortunately, at Radboud University, I have the flexibility to shape my work in a way that fits my life. My supervisors trust that I’ll get my work done, even if I have to take my child to swimming lessons in the afternoon. That freedom gives me peace of mind."

Does This Sound Like You?

You have:

• A Master’s degree in one of the disciplines related to CLS or expect to complete the degree before 15 September 2026 at the latest.
• A results-oriented mindset, a good command of English, and good writing skills.
• Demonstrable research experience, for instance in the form of a research assistantship (considered an advantage).

What We Offer You

• A temporary employment contract:
  • 0.8 FTE: 5-year contract
  • 1.0 FTE: 4-year contract
• An initial contract of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by:A starting salary of €3,059 gross per month (based on a 38-hour working week), increasing to €3,881 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P).
  • 2.5 years (4-year contract), or
  • 3.5 years (5-year contract).
• 8% holiday allowance.
• 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Extra annual leave. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20 days.

Additional Employment Conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this.

You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership.

In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. We also offer a good pension plan and provide various training and development schemes, giving you room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions.

Where You Will Be Working

Faculty of Arts

The Faculty of Arts is committed to the development of knowledge with a strong scientific and social impact. With over 500 academic and support staff, we teach and conduct research in the fields of art, history, language, culture and communication, using innovative methodologies and collaborating closely across disciplines.

Our research is embedded in two research institutes:

• Centre for Language Studies (CLS)
• Radboud Institute for Culture & History (RICH)

Approximately 2,500 students are currently enrolled across our three departments:

• Department of History, Art History and Classics
• Department of Modern Languages and Cultures
• Department of Language and Communication

The faculty is characterised by a pleasant and open culture with various opportunities for the professional development of our staff.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university.

In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.

Application Information

You can apply only via the application button.

Address your letter of application to:

Dr S.J.A.G. van de Liefvoort (Suzanne)

In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Monday, 9 November 2026.

Preferred start date: 1 February 2027.

If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality, please take notice of the relevant information provided in the application procedure.

If you already work at Radboud University and have questions about making an internal move, please refer to the information on internal applications.

Application Deadline

15 September 2026

Contact

Dr S.J.A.G. van de Liefvoort (Suzanne)
Email: suzanne.vandeliefvoort [at] ru.nl