The Leibniz-Centre General Linguistics (ZAS) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in a ANR-DFG project focused on spoken language acquisition using behavioural and multimodal methods. The position will start on 01.05.2025 for a period of 2 years and a percentage of 100% (39 h/week).

The Leibniz-Centre General Linguistics (ZAS)

The Leibniz-Centre General Linguistics (ZAS) is a non-university research institute of the state of Berlin, which is jointly funded by the federal and state governments. Together with the Leibniz Centre for Literary and Cultural Research (ZfL) and the Leibniz Centre for Modern Oriental Studies (ZMO) it works under the joint organizational umbrella of the Geisteswissenschaftliche Zentren Berlin e. V. (GWZ). With currently around 220 employees at two locations in Berlin, the GWZ is one of the leading non-university institutions in the field of the humanities.

At ZAS, the human capacity for language and its expression through individual languages is explored with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the biological, cognitive, and social factors surrounding this central human ability. By exploring the structures of language, how they are acquired, and how they are processed, this knowledge can be applied to fields such as speech diagnostics or speech technology. The GWZ is looking at the Zentrum Allgemeine Sprachwissenschaft (ZAS) for a Postdoctoral researcher. 

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled researcher to join our team in exploring the fascinating field of infant speech development with an emphasis on breathing, vocalisation and attention. In that context, the candidate is expected to have a scientific background in language acquisition and experience with empirical methods (eye tracking, acoustic and articulatory analyses, behavioural assessments).

The position involves implementing and carrying out primary research in infants between 6–24 months. The selected candidate will be responsible for recruiting participants, data collection and processing, statistical analyses, and contributing to the writing of high-impact research publications and their dissemination.

The position also involves close interaction with the caregivers, collaboration with our French research partners. The Postdoc will supervise two student assistants. Organisational skills, native knowledge of German and advanced knowledge of English are therefore crucial to the position.

Your tasks

• Organize and implement empirical research on vocalization, breathing, eye tracking in babies (6–24 months)
• Recruitment of participants, data collection, processing, statistical analyses
• Prepare and write research publications
• Disseminate findings in the scientific community and the public (e.g. during the Long Night of Sciences)
• Close interaction and organizational exchanges with the French team and our international partners
• Supervision of student assistants
• Involvement in general ZAS activities