Postdoctoral Research Associate

 Postdoctoral Research Associate (m/f/d)
(Salary level E 13 TV-L, 100 %)

The Comparative BioCognition Research Group (Prof. Dr. Simone Pika) of the Institute of

Cognitive Science at Osnabrück University is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research

Associate to commence work on 01.01.2027 for a period of 3 years. The position allows for further scientific qualification (habilitation; https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/en/university/working-at-osnabrueck-university/job-vacancies/140-fb-8-research-associate-mfd-institute-of-cognitive-science).

Your duties:

The position involves participation in the research and teaching activities of the Comparative BioCognition group at Osnabrueck University in the domain of nonhuman animals’ trust and the evolutionary trajectory of trust and involved cognition. The core work will be on behavioural interactions of mother-infant and infant-infant dyads of chimpanzees and bonobos in the wild, and the role of demographic and social factors. The selected candidate will analyse video footage of behavioural interactions of East African chimpanzees and bonobos and develop his/her own research questions within the scope of the broader focus on the evolution of trust to foster scientific growth. This position will be under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Simone Pika.

Requirements:

• A PhD degree in Biology, Evolutionary Anthropology, Psychology, Cognitive Science or
related fields and a strong background in animal behaviour, cognition or trust
• Experience in behavioural analyses or analysis of social factors and eagerness for
developing his/her skills in the other
• Expertise in coding and annotation of large datasets using ELAN, Boris or related
coding software
• Salient expertise in conducting statistical analyses using programmes like R, LMM’s
and GLMM’s or Bayesian Statistics
• Very good written and spoken skills in English, good written and spoken skills in
German

Desired qualifications:

The ideal candidate has
• strong team working skills, affinity to collaborative work and the ability to work in an
intercultural environment

• Successful applicants would have a good record of scientific publications in high-quality

journals and enjoy mentoring junior researchers and working in an international team.

We Offer:

The position offers the opportunity to publish first author papers, contribute to related projects as a co-author, work in an international team and present the work at international
conferences.
The position is available on a full- or a part-time basis. Osnabrück University is a family-friendly University and is committed to helping working parents balance their family and working lives. Osnabrück University is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and the professional equality of the genders. We promote a culture ofscience and work that enables fair opportunities and a discrimination-free environment for learning, teaching, and working. In doing so, we strive for fair representation of all social groups among our staff and work to counteract underrepresentation.

Applications from people with severe disabilities and those treated as equivalent under applicable law will be given preferential consideration where candidates are equally qualified.

Please submit your application with the usual supporting documentation (proof of diploma,

CV and cover letter) by e-mail in a single PDF file to Prof. Dr. Simone Pika (spika@uos.de)
with a cc to office@ikw.uni-osnabrueck.de no later than September 16, 2026.
For further information regarding this vacancy, please contact Prof. Dr. Simone Pika
(spika@uos.de).

Stage

 Responsable du stage: Enikő Csata, CR CNRS – Centre de Recherche sur la Cognition Animale, Centre
de Biologie Intégrative, Université Toulouse – eniko.csata@utoulouse.fr
Co-encadrement: Cassandre Krafft, IE CNRS – Centre de Recherche sur la Cognition Animale, Centre
de Biologie Intégrative, Université Toulouse – cassandre.krafft@utoulouse.fr
Proposition de stage : Pandora formicae, un champignon manipulateur des fourmis : manipulation
de l’hôte et réponse des colonies
Contexte scientifique
Pandora formicae est un champignon entomopathogène spécialisé qui infecte les fourmis du genre
Formica. Avant de mourir, les fourmis infectées sont manipulées par le champignon : elles grimpent
sur un brin d’herbe et s’y fixent à l’aide de leurs mandibules, une stratégie qui favorise la dispersion
des spores. Bien que ce phénomène soit connu chez certains champignons manipulateurs, les
mécanismes de l’infection ainsi que les réponses comportementales des colonies face à Pandora
restent encore largement méconnus.
Objectifs du stage
Ce stage vise à étudier, en laboratoire, les interactions entre Pandora formicae et ses fourmis hôtes.
Il s’agira notamment d’observer les différents stades de l’infection et de la sporulation, d’étudier les
réponses comportementales des colonies face à des congénères infectés, et de participer à des
expériences de transmission ainsi qu’à des essais de culture du champignon.
Méthodologie proposée
● Observation des différents stades de l’infection et de la sporulation.
● Étude du comportement des colonies face à des congénères infectés.
● Réalisation d’expériences de transmission.
● Participation à des essais de culture du champignon.
● Analyse des données obtenues.
Compétences souhaitées
● Intérêt pour l’écologie comportementale, l’éthologie et les interactions hôte–parasite.
● Connaissances de base en analyse statistique avec R/RStudio.
● Bon niveau d’anglais, à l’oral comme à l’écrit.
● Rigueur, patience et intérêt pour le travail expérimental.
● Goût pour le travail en équipe.
Niveau requis
Étudiant·e en troisième année de licence de biologie (L3).
Durée
8 semaines.
Début du stage
5 octobre 2026.
Date limite de candidature
6 septembre 2026.
Documents à fournir
CV, relevé de notes et lettre de motivation, à envoyer aux deux responsables du stage.

Research Assistant for Primatology

 The”Technological Primates Research Group” at the Max Planck Institute
for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany seeks applicants for a Research
Assistant for Primatology Field Work.

Application deadline:  Until filled
Preferred start date: As soon as possible

About us:
The Technological Primates Research Group at the Max Planck Institute in
Germany works in close collaboration with the Department of Biology at
Chulalongkorn University. We are interested in the evolution of tool use
and culture in humans and our primate relatives. Together we compare the
tool selection patterns and material record of tool using primates
across several species, including early hominins, apes and monkeys.

Research Assistant position:
We invite applications for a 12-month research assistant position to
join our long-term study of tool-use behavior in long-tailed macaques at
Ao Phang Nga National Park, Thailand. The position involves full-day
follows of a habituated macaque group from dawn to dusk, systematic
collection of behavioral data using focal protocols, fecal sampling for
genetic and microbiome analyses, maintaining field experiments,
operation of camera traps, ecological surveys, and preparation of
reports. The field site is located in a remote tropical environment and
requires a high degree of independence, strong work ethic, and
resilience to logistical challenges such as mosquitoes, heavy rainfall,
and high temperatures. Preference will be given to candidates with prior
field experience in tropical environments.

Requirements:
- Proficiency in English is essential, and knowledge of Thai would be a
significant advantage
- proficient computer skills
- reliable and ready to provide a high level of commitment
- able to report on work progress and communicate effectively
- strong social skills and the ability to work well within a diverse
team are essential.

Field conditions are demanding, with long working hours. Team members
live in close quarters, requiring an ability to adjust to different
personalities and social norms. Please carefully assess your capacity to
handle these conditions for an extended period before applying. The
research site is in a remote tropical setting with good, though
occasionally fluctuating, internet connectivity. Access to the site is
via domestic transport, which will be covered after the successful
completion of the appointment.

* The Technological Primates Research Group upholds strict ethical
standards, with a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment.

What we offer:
- research assistants are trained by the PhD and post-doctoral fellows
on site.
- first-hand field research experience at an established site as part of
an international research team
- insight into diverse areas of primatological and archaeological research
- the opportunity to be an active contributor to cutting edge research
through participation in all stages of academic research (data
collection, analysis and publications)
- salary of 600 euros per month
- visa fees, international and domestic transport to and from field site
(after successful completion of the appointment)
Term of appointment: 12 months, starting as soon as possible.

How to apply:
Please submit your application electronically to Dr. Lydia Luncz
(Lydia_Luncz@eva.mpg.de) and Rohit Negi (rohit_negi@eva.mpg.de).
Your application should include a cover letter (English) and a CV (English).

Volunteer Field Research

 

Description: 

We are looking for a volunteer field research assistant for our orang-utan health project in the Sebangau peat-swamp forest, Borneo. Our orang-utan behaviour project is a long-term project started in 2003 by Helen Morrogh-Bernard (University of Exeter and Co-Founder and Director of BNF). In 2024 we started a new project on orang-utan health, so we are looking for someone who is willing to work in a field Lab and help with managing the health project. You must be willing to go on orang-utan follows in order to collect samples and be familiar with lab techniques to process urine and faecal samples. Thus, the applicant must have experience in parasitology.  

All research and analyses for this project will be done in the field, in the field lab. The field site is one hour from the provincial capital Palangkaraya, in Central Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia. 

Applicants for this position should have a degree or other relevant lab and field experience. Applicants must be fluent in English.  The applicant must be physically fit. The forest is a peat-swamp, which means that the walking conditions in the forest can be hard, especially in the wet season when the forest is flooded (but this is when it is most beautiful). Applicants must also be happy to live at the field camp, with local staff, and have an awareness and acceptance of cultural differences. 

This position is a volunteer position, with no formal salary, but the following costs will be covered: international and domestic flights up to £1,200, accommodation in town and in the field, living expenses (a small stipend for food when in town), travel to and from the research site, park fees, research permit and visa, a £50 contribution to personal equipment and supplies and a £250 annual contribution to your insurance costs. You will need to pay for your own basic healthcare plan and recommended vaccinations.  

There is opportunity for people to do their own research projects and a potential PhD.  

Appointment: The position is for 1 year but can be extended.  We are looking for research assistants who are adventurous, willing to learn, hardworking and can manage their own time.  

Application: Please email the following to Helen Morrogh-Bernard: h.morrogh-bernard@borneonature.org stating “Orangutan Health Project – Field Research Assistant application” in the email title. Closing date: 31st August 2026. 

Please include: A CV; a letter stating why you want the position and any relevant experience; and contact details for two people who can supply a reference.  

Exact start date depends on how long it takes to get the research permit which can vary from 2-3 months.  

Postdoctoral fellowships in Collective Behaviour - Konstanz

 

We have multiple dedicated postdoctoral fellowships for the study of collective behaviour (2 + 1 years) at the Future College and Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour in Konstanz, Germany. 

We have exceptional facilities in an exceptional location (including close proximity to a major international airport in Zurich) - and our working language is English.

You can find specifics for the fellowships here (deadline October 12 2026): https://www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskolleg/fellowships/postdoctoral-fellowship/

The Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour (https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/collective-behaviour/about-us/overview/) is a global interdisciplinary hub for the study of collectives. A collaboration between the University of Konstanz and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour we have over 160 scholars, the vast majority of whom are international, with a dedicated new research building (https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/collective-behaviour/research/facilities/centre-for-visual-computing-of-collectives/) and a large forthcoming investment in our collective behaviour community (https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/university/news-and-media/current-announcements/news-in-detail/hector-stiftung-reinforces-world-class-research-and-innovation/). 

If the timing doesn’t work for you now, we will have further fellowships for PhD students and postdocs to be announced in the Spring!

Research Assistant position

 Research Associate (m/f/d)
(Salary level E 13 TV-L, 63,3 %)

The Comparative BioCognition Research Group (Prof. Dr. Simone Pika) of the Institute of Cognitive Science at Osnabrück University is seeking to appoint a Research Associate to start work as early as possible for a period of 3 years. 

The position allows for further scientific qualification (Ph.D).

Your duties:

The position involves participation in the research and teaching activities of the Comparative BioCognition group at Osnabrueck University in the domain of nonhuman animals’ cognition, communication, trust, and their evolutionary trajectories. The core of the work will be on tackling the evolutionary roots of human trust by studying interactions of chimpanzees living in two different communities in the Loango National Park, Gabon and the Taï National Park, Côte D’Ivoire, and investigating linked demographic and social factors. The research associate will contribute to ongoing long-term data collection efforts at the Taï field site, analyze already existing video footage, and develop his/her own research questions within the scope of the broader focus on trust and involved communicative and social factors. 

The position involves teaching Cognitive Science courses at B.Sc. and M.Sc. levels (2,5 semester hours).

Requirements:

• An academic degree (Master/Diploma) in Biology, Evolutionary, Anthropology, Psychology, Cognitive Science or related fields and a strong background in animal behaviour, communication, cognition or trust
• Experience in carrying out field observations and collecting and annotating systematic data on social living honhuman primates
• Salient expertise in conducting statistical analyses using R, LMM’s and GLMM’s or Bayesian Statistics
• Very good written and spoken English skills
• Fluency in French

Desired qualifications:

The ideal candidate has 

• Experience in behavioural, social or communicative analyses, and demonstrates eagerness for developing his/her skills in the other
• The willingness, physical and psychological ability to conduct ecology field work in Africa across several months (in the Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire)
• Strong social skills, affinity to collaborative work and the ability to work in an intercultural and remote environment

Osnabrück University is a family-friendly University and is committed to helping working parents balance their family and working lives. Osnabrück University is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and the professional equality of the genders. We promote a culture of science and work that enables fair opportunities and a discrimination-free environment for learning, teaching, and working. In doing so, we strive for fair representation of all social groups among our staff and work to counteract underrepresentation.

Applications from people with severe disabilities and those treated as equivalent under applicable law will be given preferential consideration where candidates are equally qualified.

Please submit your application with the usual supporting documentation (proof of diploma, CV and cover letter) by e-mail in a single PDF file to Prof. Dr. Simone Pika (spika@uos.de) with a cc to  office@ikw.uni-osnabrueck.de no later than September 10, 2026. Further information can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Simone Pika (spika@uos.de).

We look forward to receiving your application.