Position in Research Area Language Development & Multilingualism

Position in Research Area FB2

The research area FB2 „Language Development & Multilingualism“ at the Leibniz-Zentrum

Allgemeine Sprachwissenschaft (ZAS) invites applications for a full (100%) position, with a start

date of February 1st, 2027 or soon thereafter and lasting until January 31, 2029. This position is

intended for scholars with at most 3 years of academic employment post PhD (excluding

periods of parental leave and similar). We are not able to consider candidates at a more

advanced career stage.

ZAS conducts research on the human capacity for language and its expression through individual

languages. The aim is to gain a better understanding of this central human ability and its

biological, cognitive and social factors. By exploring the structures of language, how they are

acquired, and how they are processed, this knowledge can also be applied to fields such as

speech diagnostics or speech technology.

The research area FB2 investigates the development of linguistic competence in different speaker

groups during their entire life spans with a focus on language acquisition in pre-school- and

primary school-aged children. The research builds on usage-based theories and uses both

experimental and (semi-)spontaneous child-language data. The research area acts as a hub for

narratives, supporting users globally, and maintains critical infrastructure that requires

continuous upkeep.

Applicants must hold (or be about to complete) a PhD in General Linguistics, German Linguistics,

Language Acquisition, Multilingualism, or a closely related field. "Currently, the area focuses on

neurodiverse and neurotypical bilingual children with typical and atypical development who

speak widely used home languages, with an emphasis on grammar and narratives. The area also

focuses on the development of language assessment instruments and advances research in

language diagnostics. Expertise in one or more of these research topics is welcome. Experience

in scientific communication and knowledge transfer, along with a willingness to participate in

consulting and outreach, is required. Proficiency in German is considered an asset.

The responsibilities of the position include research as well as administrative work for ZAS.

Acquisition of additional projects within ZAS’s research theme structure is welcome. The

position is remunerated according to E13 of the German TVOeD pay scale. ZAS is an equal

opportunity employer.

ZAS is certified for ensuring family-friendly working conditions by the audit work and family

(berufundfamilie)”. 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 particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities. In addition, ZAS strives to

implement the principles of Open Science.

Applications must be submitted via electronic mail in a single pdf file to FB2stelle@leibniz-zas.de

by November, 15 and include the following four items:1) a letter of intent specifying research

experience and plans in detail, max 2 pages; 2) a CV including a complete list of publications; 3)

the names of at least two scholars to be contacted for letters of recommendation, and 4) an

electronic copy of a representative publication in pdf-format: name file according to the scheme

your_surname_zas.pdf.