This project is a collaboration in the context of the KULeuven – UCLouvain joint PhD fellowships between the labs of Bert De Smedt (KU Leuven) and Marie-Pascale Noël (UCLouvain) which are specialized in cognitive development, in particular the development of numerical cognition and mathematics achievement. An overview of their work can be found at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bert-De-Smedt and https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marie-Pascale-Noel
The research units involved have a long-standing expertise in the supervision of PhD students. They have a strong international network with other researchers around the globe who are studying numerical cognition, mathematics achievement and dyscalculia.
Website unit
Project
When children acquire symbolic numbers, such as number words or Arabic numerals, they must learn to convert between symbolic codes (“32” ↔ “thirty-two”), an ability known as transcoding. Recent evidence suggests that preschoolers already have emerging transcoding skills, but the roots of their development have not been systematically examined. This project aims to investigate the development of transcoding and its underlying mechanisms in preschoolers. Because this development is grounded in language (verbal number names), we will adopt a cross-linguistic perspective. Specifically, we will compare Dutch- and French-speaking children, two languages differing in transparency of verbal number words (e.g., “tweeëndertig” vs. “trente-deux”), within the same country and educational system. Four objectives guide this research: (1) chart the developmental trajectory of transcoding from preschool through primary school and examine cross-linguistic differences; (2) determine whether transcoding relies on semantic magnitude representations or asemantic procedural routes, and identify distinct developmental profiles; (3) explore the general linguistic (lexical, syntax) and cognitive (working memory, procedural learning) underpinnings of transcoding and how they are moderated by language transparency; and (4) disentangle maturational versus educational influences on transcoding using a school cut-off design. The project involves a longitudinal study that will follow two cohorts (Flanders and Wallonia) from preschool into primary school, employing tasks on transcoding, magnitude comparison, vocabulary, syntax, working memory, and procedural learning. It will yield novel insights into the roots of transcoding, inform theoretical models of numerical cognition, and clarify how language structure shapes early mathematical development.
Profile
• You have a master’s degree in Psychology, Educational Sciences, Speech and Language Pathology or relevant discipline. Or you are obtaining this degree this academic term.
• You have a strong interest in cognitive development.
• You have experience with experimental cognitive developmental research.
• You have excellent statistical skills.
• You have excellent academic English writing and presentation skills.
• You are well organized and a good planner.
• You have strong communication skills and can collaborate with parents, teachers and schools.
• Although not mandatory, having a basic knowledge of Dutch and French is a plus.
Offer
We offer a full-time (100%) appointment as a doctoral fellow for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of four years upon positive evaluation.T his position is an excellent opportunity for early career researchers who want to sharpen their research skills in cognitive development in children. The project has an international focus as it is situated in an exchange program between KU Leuven and UCLouvain. The applicant will spend 2 years at KU Leuven and 2 years at UCLouvain during this research project. In the context of this Joint PhD programme, the applicant will be able to follow the doctoral program of both KU Leuven and UCLouvain, and will receive both degrees after the PhD. In both places, the applicant will be able to benefit from excellent research facilities.
Interested?
You can apply to this position until June 15 2026. The interviews will take place on June 30th. The decision on this position will be made before 10th July 2026.
Interested applicants should send their CV, motivation letter and the names of 2 referents via the online application (see below). During the interview, you will be asked to give a short presentation on research that you executed during your education. You will also be asked to write a short commentary on a journal article (sent before the interview) on the topic of the project.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Bert De Smedt, tel.: +32 16 32 57 05, email:
[email protected] or Prof. Dr. Marie-Pascale Noël, tel.: +32 10 47 38 09, email:
[email protected] KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
