Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Date Posted:
2015-10-29
Position Description:
We are offering a PhD position working on questions of sociality, incl. hormones, and social cognition in wild chimpanzees. The position will start January 1, 2016, and will require several prolonged field seasons (9 months each) at the Taï Chimpanzee Project, Cote d’Ivoire.
Our general interest is to understand the effects of sociality and social cognition on fitness in chimpanzees. We are looking at proximate mechanisms and at ultimate effects. We will accept proposals on any question in the realm of sociality and social cognition.
Qualifications/Experience:
MSc (or comparable degree) in Biology, Evolutionary Anthropology or Evolutionary Psychology. Good knowledge in evolutionary biology, animal behavior and ecology are crucial for a successful application. Previous observations and detailed behavioural data collection on wild mammals are of advantage. The PhD candidate will need to work independently in a remote and physically demanding tropical forest habitat. Good social skills are important to work and live amongst a group of international colleagues with different cultural backgrounds.
The successful candidate is fluent in French and English and has some management experience. Previous experience with field work will be beneficial to the application.
Salary/funding:
Supported by a MPI EVA PhD contract. In addition the successful candidate will write a research proposal to apply for grant money.
Term of Appointment:
Starting January 2016, or as soon as possible afterwards, the successful applicant will observe chimpanzees for several field seasons in Tai. Tenure of the position is three years (+ one year extension).
Application Deadline:
December 1, 2015
Comments:
Applications include a cover letter stating research experience, field experience and experience of managing field sites, a detailed curriculum vitae, a short research proposal and the names and e-mail addresses of three referees. The application documents should be sent electronically to taichimpproject@eva.mpg.de. The evaluation of applications will start on December 1, 2015, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Contact Information:
Dr. Roman Wittig
Deutscher Platz 6
Leipzig 04103
Germany
Telephone Number:
+49 341 3550 204
Fax Number:
+49 341 3550 299
Website:
http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat/
E-mail Address:
taichimpproject@eva.mpg.de