Computational linguistics is the science of understanding and modeling human language using computers. Since human language has many forms – spoken, signed and written – and involves various organs such as the vocal tract, ears, face, hands, eyes, and the brain, our research covers the full range of these modalities and senses.

Fluency in spoken communication – the ability to speak with smooth, natural timing and appropriate speed – forms the foundation of successful spoken interaction, enabling efficient and effective exchange of information. It is one of the most salient hallmarks of spoken language proficiency. While fluency has been extensively studied in speech communication, its role in sign language, where language is conveyed entirely through the visual-spatial modality, remains largely unexplored.

In a newly funded SNSF project, “Fluency in Speech and Signing” (FluSS), we aim to understand how utterance production and cognitive mechanisms in sign language compare to those in speech. Specifically, we will investigate whether the mechanisms that underlie fluency in speech also play a critical role in sign language fluency. The project consists of three closely interconnected subprojects: (1) Fluency across modalities and proficiency levels (Prof. Dr. Tobias Haug, University of Teacher Education in Special Needs, HfH), (2) Automatic analysis of fluency in speech and signing (Prof. Dr. Sarah Ebling, University of Zurich), and (3) Common cognitive processes in speech and signing (Prof. Dr. Volker Dellwo, University of Zurich). The project is carried out in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Nivja de Jong (Leiden University).

For subproject 3, we are seeking a PhD candidate (4 years) at the Department of Computational Linguistics, University of Zurich. The goal is to better understand the common cognitive mechanisms underlying fluency across modalities by examining parallels in the cognitive processing of rate and rhythm in speech and signing.

The Department of Computational Linguistics conducts research and teaching in artificial intelligence for language and speech. Subproject 3 will be based in the Phonetics & Speech Sciences group (Prof. Dr. Volker Dellwo) but will involve close collaboration with all other subprojects, particularly in shared experimental and analytical tasks. The experimental work will be carried out in the laboratory of the Linguistic Research Infrastructure (LiRI).

• Co-design and conduct cognitive and perceptual experiments on speech and signing phenomena throughout all project phases, adhering to milestones and deliverables
• Collect, process, and analyze multimodal experimental data, including audio, video, and motion-capture or kinematic data
• Develop and implement experimental paradigms and statistical or computational analyses to examine fluency-related mechanisms across modalities
• Compile a doctoral dissertation within the broader scientific framework of the FluSS project
• Present research findings at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary and cross-institutional team, contributing to joint data collection, shared analyses, and co-authored publications
• Contribute to open science practices, including proper documentation, data sharing, and reproducibility of analyses
• Support the preparation of reports and outreach materials for the SNSF and broader public dissemination

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in phonetics/speech sciences, linguistics, psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, or related
• Strong interest in cognitive and perceptual processes underlying fluency in speech and signing, and in cross-modal language research
• Experience with experimental design, data collection, and quantitative analysis (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB, or similar)
• Familiarity with signal processing, motion tracking, or video-based analyses is an advantage
• Good communication skills for recruiting and interacting with participants
• Knowledge of a sign language is an advantage
• Proficiency in written and spoken English; knowledge of German or Swiss German is an asset for interaction with local participants
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary research, demonstrated independence, and commitment to collaborative teamwork
• Commitment to research integrity, open science, and transparent data management in line with SNSF standards

Information on your application

• A fully funded four-year doctoral position, with salary in accordance with the cantonal regulations and the guidelines of the SNSF, starting from CHF 50'403 in the first year and increasing to 53'617 in the third year
• An intellectually stimulating research environment within leading groups in speech, language and multimodal communication sciences, and integration into the Voice Communication Sciences (VoCS) international network
• Opportunities for international collaboration, conference participation, and advanced methodological and theoretical training
• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure for speech, language, and multimodal studies (LiRI)
• Mentoring and career development support within the University of Zurich doctoral program and graduate school
• This position is limited up to 4 years

• Motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
• CV (including publications, if any)
• Contact details of 2 referees