Differential and Personality Psychology in Primates
Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Psychology, Germany
Position: 2,5-year research assistant position 50% BAT IIa (German pay scale). Yearly salary is approx. 18.000 Euro. Expenses for travels and stays abroad for data collection will be reimbursed.
Start: preferably Febuary/ March 2011
Background
Individual-specific patterns of behaviour (personality differences) are increasingly studied in nonhuman primates, but systematic descriptions and categorisations are still lacking for many species. We seek to develop such descriptions for several simian and great ape species using non-invasive behaviour tests and observations, and sophisticated methodological and statistical approaches. More information and pertinent publications are available at www.primate-personality.net.
Job description
You will be based at Freie Universität Berlin, an internationally renowned network university, where you will have the opportunity to learn highly developed methodological approaches, statistics, techniques for recording and coding behaviour, and to write a PhD thesis. Work will include active engagement in an international and multidisciplinary research team including Dr. Jana Uher, Freie Universität Berlin and Dr. Elisabetta Visalberghi, CNR laboratory in Rome, Italy. Your tasks will be to develop non-invasive behavioural tests and observation schemes, to use them to collect behavioural data in captive Capuchin monkeys from collaborating research institutions in Europe, to apply psychometric statistic analyses, prepare scientific publications, and help building an international and interdisciplinary research network.
Requirements
Excellent Diploma, Masters, or equivalent university degree in psychology.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated research associate who is interested in differential and personality psychology, comparative psychology, behavioural sciences, and primate research. Profound background in methods and statistics, experience with or deep interest in behavioural measurement and primates; and excellent knowledge of English are required. Applicants are expected to read all information and research articles available at the project website. If shortlisted for interviews, they will be asked questions about these articles. Applicants are also expected to travel and stay abroad temporarily, be capable of independent analytical thinking, be self-organised, efficient, be responsible in their work, and engage actively in a multidisciplinary team. The working language is English; knowledge of or willingness to learn elementary Italian and German is required.
Application procedure
Applicants should submit a letter summarising their motivation, research interests and relevant experience, a complete CV, proof of degree and relevant qualifications, a list of publications (if any), and the names of two possible referees including their e-mail addresses. The letter should be submitted electronically as a single *.pdf file.
Additionally, please send as separate *.pdf files your thesis (Diploma/ Master/
equivalent) and (if available) previous publications to: jana.uher (at) fu-berlin.de
First deadline for applications is 24 January 2011.
Questions may be addressed to:
Dr. Jana Uher (Head)
Research group "Comparative Differential and Personality Psychology"
Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Psychology
Habelschwerdter Allee 45, JK 25/ 121f
14195 Berlin, Germany
Tel. +49-30-838 55 600
Tel. +49-30-838 55 789