Fully-Funded PhD Scholarships in Beyond Segments at Macquarie University, Australia
Description
Lexical tones are a prevalent phonetic cue in human languages, but understanding how bilinguals use this suprasegmental information in each of their two languages is far from clear in the spoken domain. This project focuses on the basic cognitive/linguistic mechanisms that drive bilingual lexical processing in both comprehension and production.
In a series of behavioral and eye-tracking studies, we will test whether and how tonal information in one language is co-activated when processing the target language under different conditions and how this process is affected by individual differences such as L2 proficiency.
Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia) invites applications for 2 full-time PhD positions. These positions are fully funded (Tuition waiver A$46,800 per year + Stipend A$ 28,854 per year + Research support A$20,000 over 3 years), associated with a project funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC): “Beyond segments: towards a lexical model for tonal bilinguals” led by Dr. Xin Wang (Department of Linguistics/Centre for Language Sciences/Macquarie University Centre for Reading), in collaboration with Prof Bob McMurray (Psychology and Linguistics, University of Iowa, USA). The supervisory team, in addition to the project investigators, includes world-leading scholars from Linguistics and Cognitive Science at MQ, with easy access to technologies like Eye-trackers, EEG, and MEGs. The positions are available till filled.
General requirements for the PhD posts:
- MA/MSc degree in Psychology (Cognitive Science), Linguistics (esp. in Phonetics), Neuroscience, or other Science-related fields.
- Strong experimental (e.g., programming) and data analysis skills.
- Substantial experiences with Eye-trackers are desirable
- Excellent communication skills in English.
- Highly motivated, with the ability to conduct independent research.
Macquarie University hosts leading groups in Cognitive Sciences and Linguistics providing a vibrant interdisciplinary scientific environment. Sydney is a multicultural city with beautiful beaches and high quality of life.
Initially, interested applicants please send your CV and a short letter of motivation to Xin Wang (x.wang1@mq.edu.au )
Availability
This scholarship is available to eligible domestic candidates to undertake a direct entry 3-year Ph.D. program.
Scholarship Components
The scholarship is comprised of a Tuition Fee Offset and a Living Allowance Stipend.
The value and tenure of the scholarship is an “MQRES” full-time stipend rate of $28,854 per annum (2022 rate, tax-exempt for up to 3 years – indexed annually).
Contact Details
Name: Xin Wang
Email: x.wang1@mq.edu.au
How to Apply
New applicants to Macquarie University
- MUST complete the Online HDR Candidature and Scholarship Applicationvia the Online Application System and arrange for two academic referee reports to be submitted to the Higher Degree Research Office.
- MUST indicate the allocation number under the scholarship details question
Current applicants with a successful candidature offer less than 12 months old and currently enrolled Macquarie University candidates:
- MUST submit a Scholarship Only Application form with supporting documents. Please refer to a Guideline on “How to submit a Scholarship only application“.
- MUST indicate the allocation number under the scholarship details question
Further information can be found on the How to Apply page.
To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants are expected to have a record of excellent academic performance and preferably, additional relevant research experience and/or peer-reviewed research activity in line with the University’s scholarship rating guidelines. Refer to the Rating Scholarship Applicants section for more information about these guidelines.
Macquarie University will advise the successful applicant of entitlements at the time of scholarship offer.
Please quote the allocation number on your application.