PhD positions in early language and cognition research

About the role

Two fully funded PhD positions are available to investigate early oral language and cognitive skills that support reading development in 5‑to‑7‑year‑old monolingual and bilingual children. One position will be based at the University of Toronto (Toronto, ON) and the other at Dalhousie University (Halifax, NS), with a three‑year funding package starting Fall 2025.

Key responsibilities

• Design and conduct experimental studies on language, cognition and literacy development.
• Recruit, assess, and collect behavioural and physiological data (in‑person and virtual) from young children.
• Apply eye‑tracking, EEG and heart‑rate monitoring techniques where appropriate.
• Perform statistical analyses and interpret results.
• Present findings at conferences and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications.

Required profile

• Master’s or undergraduate degree in Cognitive Sciences, Psychology, Linguistics, Education, Speech‑Language Pathology, Music or a related field.
• Prior research experience (assistantship, thesis, or similar).
• Strong interest in bilingualism, cognition, language and literacy development.
• Experience or willingness to assess young children both in‑person and remotely.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Required skills

• Statistical analysis (e.g., SPSS, R, or similar).
• Eye‑tracking data collection and analysis.
• EEG recording and processing.
• Heart‑rate monitoring techniques.

What we offer

• Three‑year fully funded doctoral stipend following university policies.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art research facilities and mentorship from leading investigators.