Doctoral/Postdoctoral Position in Comparative and Developmental Psychology ( O p e n c a l l )

 (PhD part-time 65 % / Postdoc full-time 100% E 13 TV-L)
The start date is as soon as possible (reviewing candidates on a rolling basis). The position is available for
three years.
The University of Konstanz is one of eleven Universities of Excellence in Germany. Since 2007 it has been successful in the
German Excellence Initiative and its follow-up programme, the Excellence Strategy.
The successful candidate would be integrated into the interdisciplinary research environment of the Centre for the Advanced Study
of Collective Behaviour (CASCB) and the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS-QBEE), which offers an international
main hub on collective and animal behaviour with a range of further internal funding opportunities. The PhD or postdoc position is
available as part of a larger project investigating the evolutionary, developmental and cultural origins of human cooperative sociality
led by Jun. Prof Raphaela Heesen. The project is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and provides a unique
opportunity for candidates wishing to conduct cutting-edge research on the foundational communicative and emotional
mechanisms underlying joint action in human children across the ages three-, five-, and ten years. The candidate will employ
state-of-the-art methods and technologies while collaborating closely with team members to conduct systematic cross-group
analyses. These will include comparative studies involving nonhuman primates such as chimpanzees, bonobos and Callitrichid
monkeys. The research has a strong interdisciplinary focus at the intersection of biology, primatology, linguistics, anthropology,
psychology and computer vision. The working language is English, but German language skills are recommended given data
collection procedures in Germany.
Your responsibilities Your Competencies We Offer
– Conduct a doctoral thesis
(Dissertation) or postdoc
– Data collection with human children
in Germany and possibly Uganda
(observational and experimental
methods)
– Code and categorize behaviors and
communication (gestures, facial
expressions, language)
– Writing of academic papers and
preparation of oral presentations at
national/international conferences
– Contribute to the broader aims of the
interdisciplinary project (including
cross-species and cross-cultural
comparisons in collaboration with
other team members)
– Analyze data using advanced
statistical methods (e.g., Bayesian
regression models)
– Analyze data from motion tracking
and posture recognition systems, set
up tracking rooms
– Mentoring junior researchers in the
lab
– Completed master’s (/ doctoral)
degree in psychology, biology,
linguistics, evolutionary
anthropology or in a related
discipline
– Strong written and oral
communications skills in English and
German (to work at German KiTas)
– Experience in working with children
– High level of interpersonal skills and
the ability to work collaboratively in
diverse teams
– Skills in designing experiments and
collecting observational data
– Advanced skills in statistical data
analyses
– Programming experience is desirable
(e.g., Python, R)
– Experience in using thermal-imaging
and applying tracking technology is
encouraged
– Experience and/or interest in
applying computer vision methods
for posture estimation
– Strong career development
mentoring
– An open and ambitious
interdisciplinary research team
– Access to innovative technologies
and resources in the field of
comparative cognition and
behavioural biology
– A dynamic, interdisciplinary research
environment with collaborative and
further funding opportunities within
the CASCB
– Comprehensive academic development
support, including training and mentoring
– Structured guidance toward acquiring
independent research funding and
preparing for a postdoctoral career
– A vibrant academic community in the
attractive and livable city of Konstanz,
located by Lake Constance
We look forward to receiving your application including your CV, cover letter, 2 reference letters and reference contacts
including phone numbers & email until 01.04.2026 by email to Jun. Prof Raphaela Heesen: raphaela.heesen@uni-
konstanz.de. Questions can also be directed to R. Heesen.
The University of Konstanz is committed to ensuring an environment that provides equal opportunities and promotes diversity, as well as a good balance between
university and family life. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to increase the number of women working in research and teaching. We also support working
couples through our dual career programme. Persons with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply. They will be given preference if appropriately qualified (contact
sbv@uni-konstanz.de, + 49 7531 88-4016).

Call for Expressions of Interest

Call for Expressions of Interest
Joint Application for a Margarete von Wrangell Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Konstanz Jun-Prof. Dr. Raphaela Heesen (Department of Biology, University of Konstanz) invites expressions of interest from outstanding early-career researchers interested in jointly applying for a Margarete von Wrangell Postdoctoral Fellowship: https://mwk.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/hochschulen-studium/hochschulpolitik/chancengleichheit/individuelle-foerderprogramme
The fellowship would support a three-year postdoctoral position (100% full-time, TV-L E13) for women max. 2 years post PhD (PhD grade magna cum laude or higher) at the University of Konstanz, with connections to the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour (CASCB). The position is expected to start as soon as possible following a positive fellowship decision (anticipated August 2026).
The successful candidate will develop an independent research profile while collaborating with Prof. Heesen on a broader research program investigating the mechanisms and origins of joint action in humans and other primates.
Within this research program, applicants are invited to develop their own research ideas related to one or more of the following themes: communicative feedback and temporal synchrony in social interaction and group-specific/socio-cultural influences on interaction dynamics. Research in the group combines behavioural observation, experimental approaches and multimodal analysis of joint action, including comparative work with human children and nonhuman primates (mainly chimpanzees and bonobos). The candidate will work with existing video data from Heesen’s lab and collect new data, notably on human children.
Applicants should hold a PhD in psychology, biology, anthropology, linguistics, cognitive science, or a related discipline, and have a strong interest in research on social interaction, communication, or cooperative behaviour.
Interested candidates should send an expression of interest including their CV, cover letter, a 1-page research statement outlining how their own work fits with ideas for a project within the broader mentioned research program and contact details of two referees. Expressions of interest should be sent by 1 April 2026 to Jun.- Prof. Dr. Raphaela Heesen, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz by email:
raphaela.heesen@uni-konstanz.de
Selected candidates will then develop a joint application for the Margarete von Wrangell Fellowship together with R. Heesen. The final fellowship application deadline is expected at the end of May 2026

Offre de stage

Nathalie Marec-Breton et Nathalie Bonneton-Botté, professeures de psychologie au LP3C (Université Rennes 2 et Université Bretagne Occidendale), recherchent un ou plusieurs stagiaires pour prendre part au projet COMPATEER (FEDER). 

Le projet COMPATEER vise à développer, chez les futurs citoyens, des gestes de protection de la biodiversité. Nous faisons l'hypothèse que le développement de la compassion pourrait être un déterminant essentiel à la mise en œuvre durable d’actions de préservation et de restauration de la biodiversité (Miralles et al., 2018). La compassion peut se définir comme la capacité à mettre en place des gestes de protection à l’égard d’autrui (Miralles et al., 2018 ; Decety et Holvoet, 2021). Aussi avant de développer des projets éducatifs visant à développer la compassion des enfants, notre équipe poursuit un recueil de données afin d'apporter de meilleures connaissances sur qui peut inciter les jeunes générations (enfants âgés de 6 à 12 ans) à avoir de la compassion pour certaines espèces. Le stagiaire travaillera en proximité avec Léa Berger-Meunier, doctorante du laboratoire LP3C. Le stagiaire sera sur Rennes et pourra se voir confié des missions à Brest (collaboration avec l'Océanopolis de Brest) ou dans certaines écoles partenaires du projet en région Bretagne. Les coûts de déplacements seront pris en charge par le projet.

 Les candidats intéressés peuvent adresser un mail à : lea.berger-meunier@univ-rennes2.fr avec en copie Nathalie Marec-Breton <nathalie.marec-breton@inspe-bretagne.fr>

Les dates du stage seront déterminées en fonction des caractéristiques des candidats (niveau M1 vs niveau M2, stages optionnels ou stages obligatoires dans leurs parcours de formation). Cette offre de stage est ouverte à des étudiants en éthologie ou en psychologie. 

Fundraising and Communications

 

Fundraising and Communications Manager

(or Fundraising & Communications Officer depending on experience)

The Limbe Wildlife Centre is seeking a Fundraising and Communications Manager / Officer to join our team and contribute to our mission of protecting Cameroon’s unique wildlife at this exciting time.

The Limbe Wildlife Centre

The Limbe Wildlife Centre (LWC) was established in 1993 as a collaborative effort between Pandrillus and the Government of Cameroon’s Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF) as a sanctuary for endangered Cameroonian wildlife.

Our mission is to protect Cameroonian wildlife by rehabilitating victims of the illegal wildlife trade and other injured, orphaned or displaced animals, improving the conservation of endangered species in the wild, inspiring people to connect with nature and improving local communities’ wellbeing.

We provide care for more than 250 animals including critically endangered gorillas, endangered chimpanzees, drills and red-capped mangabeys, and reach over 2,000 kids in our conservation education programme.

Role Description

The role will work to develop communication and fundraising strategies, researching funding opportunities, identifying grants, writing proposals, and helping with daily communications on e-mail, our website, and on various social media platforms.

Raise funding from granting organisations and individual donors – finding and applying for grants and organising fundraising campaigns - promote wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, and if possible, identify and engage local and international companies to help support our work.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the essential funding and support for the Limbe Wildlife Centre and its related projects.

It is an exciting time for LWC, with the ongoing creation of a new forested site: this is expected to take place during 2026-2028, providing some animal groups with better and larger forested enclosures and a pathway to releases back to the wild. This project will interest new potential funding partners and be an exciting challenge for the successful candidate.

The role will coordinate communication and fundraising activity, working closely with a fundraising officer and/or fundraising volunteers.

Reporting to: Pandrillus Cameroon Country Director

Key collaborative staff: LWC Fundraising Team, Operations Manager, Veterinary Team, Head Keepers

This is a rewarding opportunity for a proactive and adventurous person to show creativity in developing campaigns, to gain hands-on experience with fundraising and direct marketing strategies and experience working in a multi-cultural team focused on wildlife conservation and welfare.

 

Responsibilities

• ·       Maintain or increase LWC funding, collaboration and support – from existing regular funding organisations & donors and by finding new ones
• ·       Work with management / directors to identify and write proposals for large grant funding.
• ·       Further develop effective fundraising and marketing strategies.
• ·       Responsibility for production of quarterly newsletter.
• ·       Ensure all grant reporting and communication with funders is efficient and up to date
• ·       Proactively manage relationships with funding organisations and donors, providing high quality communication, support and reporting.
• ·       Increase visibility of LWC’s mission through various communication channels.
• ·       Manage the fundraising assistance available, such as a fundraising officer / volunteers
• ·       Help ensure our website is up-to-date and effectively communicates LWC’s activities.
• ·       Track and evaluate the impact of fundraising efforts.
• ·       Act as an LWC ambassador at fundraising events.
• ·       Manage celebrity/ambassador/influencer supporter relations.
• ·       Help as required with coordinating the foreign volunteer programme to raise funds and support for the LWC.
• ·       Assist Country Director in completing annual reports and other communications for the benefit of LWC as requested.

 

Skills, Experience and Requirements

We are looking for a creative, motivated, enthusiastic, and proactive individual who is well organised and eager to gain insight and experience in biodiversity conservation communication and fundraising.

• ·       Relevant experience in fundraising or communications roles, or evidence of highly transferrable skills and proactive attitude.
• ·       Strong interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders and develop excellent working relationships in a multi-cultural environment in Africa.
• ·       Highly motivated and enthusiastic to work on fundraising, grants, and digital communications to promote LWCs mission and values.
• ·       Creative and entrepreneurial outlook.
• ·       Background in conservation, marketing, or communications is preferred.
• ·       Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• ·       Proficiency in social media, digital communications and MS Suite.
• ·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; French is a plus.
• ·       Passionate about wildlife conservation.
• ·       A commitment to the mission of the Limbe Wildlife Centre.
• ·       Willingness to commit for at least 6 months, with a strong preference for 1 year plus.
• ·       Appreciation of the communication needs of charity fundraising.
• ·       Physically fit and able to work in a hot and humid tropical climate.
• ·       Be willing to have all necessary tests (TB and medical) and vaccinations (yellow fever, typhoid, COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and polio).

 

Working conditions & benefits:

·       Full-time 5.5 days a week position with accommodation and expenses provided

·       Accommodation in Limbe (in shared house), including housekeeping & security staff

·       Small monthly stipend available, depending on level of experience

·       Daily local living allowance, phone/data credit and 1 meal per workday provided

·       Potential negotiable bonus or increased monthly compensation, depending on the amount of funds raised.

·       Annual leave of 21 working days

·       Annual return flight to home country (after 1 year of service, up to USD1,000)

·       Some flexibility is negotiable about if you want to split your time between Cameroon & your home country.

A probation period will apply for the first 6 months.

 

How to Apply

Please submit a detailed CV and cover letter to manager and fundraising at limbewildlife.org: manager@limbewildlife.org and fundraising@limbewildlife.org

and/or have a look on our limbewildlife website

Your cover letter must include:

1. Why you are the right fit for this role and how your skills will benefit LWC.
2. Your motivation for applying and how you heard about the position.
3. Your availability and the duration you can commit to the role.

Short-listed applications will have a video interview and be required to complete some short exercises.

 

Your time and support make a massive difference to all the rescued animals that have been given a second chance at Limbe Wildlife Centre, and we thank you for considering this role.

Offre de thèse ASNR

 

POVA DEMANDE DE THESE

Métier :	Doctorant
Sujet de la thèse :	Etude des effets des rayonnements ionisants sur les insectes pollinisateurs : cognition et service de pollinisation
Site :	Cadarache
Unité :	PSE-ENV/SERPEN/LECO
Durée :	3 ans
Date de démarrage :	Octobre 2026
EOTP/centre de coût (programme de financement) :	003/16/01/01
Environnement :	Le Laboratoire d'Ecologie et d'Ecotoxicologie des radionucléides (LECO) étudie les effets des expositions environnementales des rayonnements ionisants sur les biota non humains. Le laboratoire collabore au niveau national (CNRS, INRAE, …) et international (SCK-CEN, Université de Fukushima, Bfs, …) sur les effets biologiques et écologiques des radiations, chroniques et à faibles débits de dose. Le LECO dispose des installations (plateforme ECO2CAD, irradiateur MICADO, plateforme d’élevages des différentes espèces-modèles) à Cadarache, région PACA. Ce projet est réalisé en collaboration avec le laboratoire CBI (CNRS, Toulouse) et l’INREA Abeille environnement (Avignon)
Missions :	Les insectes pollinisateurs, notamment les abeilles, bourdons, papillons et certaines mouches, assurent la pollinisation de plus de 75 % des cultures vivrières mondiales. Le déclin des pollinisateurs, largement documenté, est attribué à divers facteurs : perte d’habitats, pesticides, agents pathogènes, changement climatique. Les effets à long terme des radiations, comme dans le cas des accidents nucléaires de Tchernobyl et de Fukushima restent moins étudiés, alors que des données acquises au laboratoire indiquent des effets à divers niveaux biologiques, de l’ADN jusqu’au comportement, y compris les fonctions cognitives. La cognition chez les insectes joue un rôle essentiel dans leur capacité à naviguer dans l’environnement, à localiser et mémoriser les sources florales, à communiquer avec leurs congénères (chez les abeilles notamment), ou encore à prendre des décisions face à des situations complexes. Toute altération de ces capacités peut impacter directement leur efficacité en tant que pollinisateurs. Ce projet de thèse a pour but d’approfondir les connaissances sur les effets à long terme de la contamination radioactive post-Fukushima chez les insectes pollinisateurs sauvages. Les objectifs sont (i) d’évaluer l’impact global de la contamination sur les capacités d’apprentissage et de mémorisation, ainsi que (ii) d’établir le lien possible entre ces altérations et la fonction de pollinisation. Ce projet combine des observations sur le terrain (Fukushima) et des expérimentations en laboratoire (plateaux ECO2-CAD et MICADO-Lab, Cadarache). Cette approche couplant étude in situ et expérimentation au laboratoire permettra de distinguer les effets spécifiques des radiations à d’autres facteurs potentiellement confondant (diversité floristique, effet site, diversité génétique etc). Au laboratoire le bourdon (Bombus spp.) servira de modèle pour des expositions contrôlées à des doses variables (0–4000 µGy/h). Les paramètres étudiés incluront la reproduction, les performances cognitives, le métabolisme, et les modifications génétiques (transcriptomique, taux de mutations). Ce volet vise à établir des relations causales entre l’exposition et les effets biologiques, en éliminant les biais environnementaux. Sur le terrain, les pollinisateurs sauvages seront échantillonnés le long d’un gradient de dose pour étudier leurs réponses biologiques (comportement, génétique, mutations) en milieu contaminé dans la préfecture de Fukushima. Les données environnementales (ressources florales, conditions climatiques) seront recueillies pour identifier les facteurs confondants. L’objectif est de corréler l’exposition aux radiations avec les altérations observées (cognitives, reproductives, moléculaires) et d’identifier les mécanismes d’adaptation ou de vulnérabilité des espèces. Dans les deux volets, la cognition des pollinisateurs pourra être mesurée notamment grâce aux labyrinthes connectés déjà testés notamment dans les projets BEECONECT et BEERAD sur les abeilles et les frelons géants japonais. Le lien avec la fonction de pollinisation pourra être évaluée au laboratoire et sur le terrain par l’utilisation de plants produisant des fruits après pollinisation comme par exemple les fraisiers.
Profil du candidat recherché :	Master II en écologie ou écotoxicologie. Une expérience de missions de terrains sera un plus ainsi que des compétences sur les insectes pollinisateurs. Maîtrise des outils informatiques de traitement de données et analyses statistiques (R ou équivalent). Très bon niveau d’anglais requis (pour les séjours au Japon). Le/la candidat(e) devra disposer d’une bonne capacité à travailler dans une équipe multidisciplinaire et diversifié.
THEMATIQUE :	Ecologie, écotoxicologie, biologie des organismes
NIVEAU DE DIPLOME PREPARE (BAC, BAC+2, BAC+3, BAC +5…) :	Master 2 ou équivalent (Diplôme d’Ingénieur, etc.) (BAC+5)
APTITUDES COMPORTEMENTALES :	- implication dans son projet de recherche - travailler en équipe - curiosité et rigueur scientifique - esprit critique vis-à-vis de ses résultats - sens de l’organisation
Personne à contacter (un seul contact par POVA) :	beatrice.gagnaire@asnr.fr et olivier.armant@asnr.fr
Le contact pour le recrutement sera-t-il le tuteur ? :	Oui