Doctoral Researcher in Multilingualism Promotion in Families

About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) at the University of Luxembourg brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences.
People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed. The faculty's research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society.

Your role

• Develop a doctoral thesis in Humanities / Education under the supervision of Prof. Claudine Kirsch within the framework of the Project Parents, Educators and Healthcare Professionals promoting Multilingualism (ProMulti)
• Collaborate actively with the interdisciplinary ProMulti team composed of Dr. Claudine Kirsch and Dr Mélanie Wagner (UL), Dr. Sophie Pilleron (LIH), PhD students, a research and development specialist and our national and international partners
• Produce high‑quality research articles (or a monograph and one article) together with researchers involved in the project
• Assist the supervisor and project partners with day‑to‑day management, the organization of research activities and the preparation of data
• Contribute to teaching
• The doctoral candidate will be a member of the Department of Humanities and the Research Institute of Multilingualism and participate to its activities

Your profile

• Master's degree in educational sciences, linguistics or psychology. A strong theoretical understanding of language learning is necessary to engage in qualitative research with education and healthcare professionals as well as families with children aged 0-11 years with the aim to understand the ways these individuals interact and promote multilingualism in Luxembourg
• Experience of and interest in the development of multilingualism. Provisional titles of the theses could be "Young children's multilingual development seen through the lenses of Family Language Policies" or "Communication about multilingual development across actors and sectors"
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Language Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates.

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08177

The yearly gross salary for every Doctoral researcher at the UL is EUR 43445 (full time).