PhD research on language use in job interviews.

The research group "Multimodality, Interaction and Discourse" (part of the Research Unit Linguistics) within the Faculty of Arts at KU Leuven focuses on the study of language and interaction as social and/or conceptual practices, as observed in a variety of interpersonal contexts, including spontaneous interactions in the workplace. The group is currently seeking a new colleague who wishes to pursue a PhD on language use in job interviews.
Website unit

Project

Language plays a central role in the construction of social identities. This takes place in interaction, among other things through the indexical value of language, categorization, and various verbal and non-verbal means. This identity work takes on a particularly crucial character in gatekeeping contexts, where decisions are made about access to opportunities. Job interviews are a prototypical example of this. In addition, this project also examines onboarding processes, in which new employees gradually position themselves within the organization and professional identities are further shaped.

The project studies these processes using the case of shortage occupations in the context of residential care centers. In particular, the focus is on shortage occupations for which, in recruitment, candidates with a migration background and an educational level up to secondary education are sought. This setting and target group are particularly interesting because, on the one hand, there is a tension between labor market demand and labor market access: candidates with a migration background belong to a group for whom job interviews often constitute a significant hurdle, while employers in this sector are highly dependent on these workers due to ongoing staff shortages. On the other hand, linguistic, interactional, and interpersonal competencies play a crucial role in residential care centers.

The project will result in several conference contributions and approximately four academic articles. Theoretically, it contributes to research on indexicality, identity work, impression management, and gatekeeping in job interviews with candidates with a migration background. Socially, the project aims to help reflect on inclusive and effective recruitment and onboarding practices.

Profile

• You hold a Master's degree in Language and Literature, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, or a related field.
• If you have not yet obtained your Master's degree, you may still apply provided that you will graduate in July 2026. Students who can provide sufficient assurance that they will graduate by 1 October 2026 (after the resit examination period) are also eligible to apply. All degree requirements must be met by the date of appointment.
• Preferably, during your studies (for example through coursework or your Master's thesis), you have acquired knowledge of the qualitative analysis of language use.
• You are motivated and passionate about conducting scientific research.
• You are willing to pursue a PhD based on this research project, including completing the doctoral training programme.
• You are able to conduct independent research in the Flemish context.
• You work well as part of a team.
• You are familiar with reviewing and processing academic literature.
• You have a strong academic record, reflected in good to excellent study results.
• You have excellent written and spoken communication skills in both Dutch and English.
• You have a basic knowledge of different research methods and are willing to further specialize in qualitative—and, if relevant, quantitative—research methods.
• You are willing to participate in international conferences and publish internationally.
• You look forward to collaborating with the other researchers and partners involved in this project.

Offer

We offer you:

• An initial one-year appointment, which will be extended by two years after a positive evaluation, under a doctoral scholarship status.
• The opportunity, within this scholarship status, to work on an engaging and socially relevant PhD project.
• A pleasant and supportive working environment, particularly within the MIDI research group.
• Supervision by your supervisor and co-supervisor.
• The opportunity to collaborate with other PhD students and learn from the expertise of other researchers within the Research Unit.
• The opportunity to follow a doctoral training programme at the Faculty of Arts, KU Leuven.

Interested?

The job interviews will take place on 31 August 2026. 

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Melina De Dijn, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. Dorien Van De Mieroop, mail: [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.