PhD Position on Socio-Emotional Effects of Child Language Brokering in Multilingual Families
Investigate how child language brokering influences the socio-emotional development and family dynamics of multilingual children.
Best for:Best for researchers with a background in linguistics, psychology, or education who are interested in multilingualism and family dynamics.
Overview
The Amsterdam Center for Language and Communication (ACLC) at the University of Amsterdam is seeking a PhD candidate for an interdisciplinary project on child language brokering. This role focuses on how children who translate and mediate for their immigrant parents experience socio-emotional development and changes in family communication. You will conduct a series of studies using diverse methodologies, including experience sampling, interviews, and parent-child interaction tasks. The position is part of a larger NWO-funded project that also examines linguistic outcomes, offering a collaborative environment with a dedicated supervision team. You will be expected to contribute to open science practices, engage in outreach, and complete a PhD thesis within four years.
What you'll do
- Review existing literature on the impact of language brokering on emotions and attitudes.
- Design and execute in-depth studies investigating family dynamics and communication.
- Collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.
- Implement open science practices, including the pre-registration of research studies.
- Contribute to knowledge utilization and public outreach activities.
- Present research findings at academic workshops and conferences.
- Complete and submit a PhD thesis within the four-year appointment period.
- Participate in PhD training programs at the Graduate School of Humanities.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in Linguistics, Education, Psychology, Anthropology, or a related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English (academic proficiency); Dutch (B2 level or higher).
Instruction: English
- Demonstrated research excellence through a Master's thesis.
- Solid knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
- Strong communicative and organizational skills.
- Commitment to team science and a cooperative attitude.
- Excellent proficiency in English for academic purposes.
- Proficiency in Dutch at B2 level or higher for data collection purposes.
- Must not already hold a doctorate/PhD.
- Must not be currently working towards a similar degree elsewhere.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-19
Submit your application as a single PDF file. Ensure the document includes a motivation letter, academic CV, grade transcripts, contact details for two references, and a writing sample.
- Motivation letter
- Academic CV
- Official transcript of grades
- Contact details of two references
- Writing sample
Contact
Josje Verhagen· Supervisor
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