About the Program
Radboud University is offering a fully funded PhD position to explore the evolution of human language through artificial intelligence and swarm robotics. Based at the world-renowned Donders Centre for Cognition, this interdisciplinary research investigates how grammar and dishonest signalling could have emerged in human communication systems.
Using advanced AI-driven swarm robotics simulations, the project recreates the ecological and social conditions of early human environments. As a PhD candidate, you’ll develop and test interactive foraging-navigation games both in simulation and real-life hardware, supported by a collaborative team including experts from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics and the VR Lab. If you’re passionate about language, evolution, AI, and robotics, this position offers the perfect platform to make meaningful contributions at the frontier of cognitive science.
Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position
- Institution: Radboud University
- Department/Faculty: Donders Centre for Cognition, Faculty of Social Sciences
- Supervisor: Dr Limor Raviv
- Location: Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Start Date (Anticipated): As soon as possible after selection
- Duration: 4 years (1.5 years initially, extendable upon evaluation)
- Funding: Fully funded; salary €2,901–€3,707/month (gross), 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus
- Working Hours: Full-time (38 hours/week)
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or a related field
Research Focus/Area
- Language evolution and emergence
- Swarm robotics and AI modelling
- Human communication and deception
- Ecological simulation environments
- Cognitive and evolutionary frameworks
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. AI, Robotics, Computer Science)
- Experience with robotics software (e.g., C++, ARGoS, Gazebo, Webots) and hardware (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Programming in Python and/or R
- Skills in Bayesian statistics or mixed-effects models
- Experience with VR environments and empirical research
- Academic publications or conference presentations (a plus)
Key Features of the Program
- Work in an interdisciplinary, international research team
- Collaborate with the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics
- Access to cutting-edge robotics and neuroscience labs
- Optional enrolment in IMPRS doctoral training programme
- Generous annual leave (up to 41 days) and dual career coaching
- Flexible working hours and personalised benefits package
Application Process
How to Apply:
Apply through the official Radboud University portal. Address your application to Dr Limor Raviv.
Required Documents:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- References
- Any relevant publications
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Now
- Deadline: 14 August 2025
- Interviews: 10 September 2025
- Start Date: Flexible, ideally soon after selection
Where to Apply
- University Website: https://www.ru.nl
- Official Notification: Radboud University Job Page
- Application Portal: Apply Now
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