Hiring Organization:
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Date Posted:
2012-02-22
Position Description:
We are offering a PhD fellowship working on a project that compares experimentally the cognitive abilities of apes and monkeys under natural conditions, starting in July 2012 and running for 4 years.
Our general interest is to understand the evolution of sociality and social cognition. Specifically, we are interested in differences in the cognitive abilities between species within the monophylletic group of primates. This PhD project will compare some aspects of social cognition between chimpanzees and sooty mangabeys using an experimental approach under natural conditions. The PhD candidate will conduct the study with the habituated chimpanzees of the Taï Chimpanzee Project (Côte d’Ivoire) and the sooty mangabeys of the Taï Eco-tourism Project, which will include behavioural observations and experimental manipulations.
Qualifications/Experience:
MSc (or comparable degree) in Biology, Psychology or Evolutionary Anthropology. Good knowledge in evolutionary biology, animal behaviour and animal cognition are crucial for a successful application. The PhD candidate will need to work independently in a remote and physically demanding tropical forest habitat. She / he will need good social skills to work and live amongst a group of international colleagues with different cultural backgrounds. The successful applicant will need to speak French - or be willing to rapidly learn it. Previous experience with fieldwork and studies in experimental psychology will be beneficial to the application.
Salary/funding:
Supported by a PhD stipend. In addition the successful candidate is expected to write a research proposal to apply for grant money.
Term of Appointment:
Starting July 2012 (four years)
Application Deadline:
31 March 2012
Comments:
Applications including a cover letter stating research experience and interests, detailed curriculum vitae, and the names and e-mail addresses of three referees should be sent electronically (ideally two people who can comment on your academic skills and one who can comment on any practical experience you may have). Application deadline is 31 March. The evaluation process will start afterwards, with interviews being held after 15 April.
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:
wittig@eva.mpg.de