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

Your profile

• Applicants must hold a PhD degree in linguistics or cognitive science with a specialisation in a phonetic and/or phonological topic. The candidate must have carried empirical research related to speech and language development.
• Social, communicative and organizational skills are required to interact with infants and caregivers. These interactions will be carried out in German, we therefore expect native knowledge of German.
• Strong research in acoustic and articulatory analysis of speech production in infants are required.
• We expect the candidate to have knowledge in phonological and cognitive development as well as related theoretical frameworks.
• Proficiency in English is a requirement to communicate with the French team and all international partners.
• Proficiency in R (advanced statistical models) and Praat are required.
• Strong international publication record in dependence of the carrier stage of the candidate.

• A varied job in a leading research institution
• To be integrated in a dynamic interdisciplinary consortium of research partners
• A modern, well-equipped workplace in a new building in Berlin-Wilmersdorf (next to U-Bahnhof Spichernstraße)
• Self-organized work in an international team
• Gain expertise with various empirical methods applied to infant development
• Room for personal initiative and professional development opportunities
• Renumeration in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD Bund), including the usual benefits (30 vacation days, plus the option of VBLU, company ticket)
• An attractive working environment with friendly colleagues in an internationally networked organization and a committed, helpful team with a wide range of training opportunities.

If you are interested, please send us an e-mail with your application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, certificates and proof of academic degrees/grades) as a PDF (by 17. 02. 2025) to Susanne Fuchs (fuchs@leibniz-zas.de).

The application for the position requires the consent of the purpose-related storage / processing of personal data (Art. 13 GDPR) for the selection of applicants (https://www.gwz-berlin.de/kontakt/datenschutz/).
The ZAS is certified for ensuring family-friendly working conditions by the audit workandfamily (berufundfamilie)”. The ZAS strives to strengthen gender balance and diversity of staff in all working areas and at all scientific levels. Members of groups traditionally underrepresented in German academic positions as well as in science support positions are particularly encouraged to apply. We value diversity and encourage it! We therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, age or sexual orientation. Applications from severely disabled persons with equal qualifications will be given priority.
In addition, the ZAS strives to implement the principles of Open Science.