There are three advertisements at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany:
POSITION 1
Postdoctoral position - Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology We have an opening for a postdoc in the Genetic Diversity and
Selection group, in the Department of Evolutionary Genetics at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, in Leipzig.
http://www.eva.mpg.de/genetics/files/population_genomics.html
The main focus of our lab is to shed light on the role that natural selection has played in the evolution of humans and other primates. More specifically, we are interested in assessing the influence of natural selection across primate genomes, in the identification and characterization of selection targets, and in understanding the phenotypic consequences of selected variants. The specific project is somewhat flexible, but will broadly address the influence of natural selection in genomes, individuals, populations, or species. For example, the project may take advantage of the high-quality genome-wide datasets of several populations and species we have access to, both through external collaborations and in-house data production.
We are seeking a creative and highly motivated individual with prime interest in population genetics/genomics and evolutionary biology. Candidates should have a PhD in evolutionary biology, population genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, statistics, or related disciplines. The ideal candidate will have experience in at least one of the areas above, and a strong interest in the others. Previous work in population genetics/genomics (theoretical or analytical), experience with large-scale databases, and strong programming skills are a plus.
The Department of Evolutionary Genetics is a lively, stimulating, and highly collaborative place at the front of primate evolutionary genomics (http://www.eva.mpg.de/genetics). The Institute is very international and English speaking. It is located in Leipzig, a nice and affordable city of 500,000 habitants that is the capital and major cultural center of German Saxony. Leipzig is at driving distance of Berlin (2 hours) and Prague (3 hours).
To apply send, in PDF format, a cover letter, your CV, and the contact information of at least 2 potential referees to Aida Andrés at aida_andres@eva.mpg.de. Informal inquiries can be sent to the same address.
Aida Andrés, PhD
Group Leader, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Deutscher Platz 6
04103 Leipzig, Germany
Phone: +49 341 3550 507
Fax: +49 341 3550 555
POSITION 2PhD Position: MHC Variation in Wild Chimpanzees
A PhD position is available within the molecular genetics group (http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat/files/genetics.htm) in the Primatology Department at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. This project will use next generation sequencing of DNA from noninvasive samples to characterize variation at multiple loci of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in wild chimpanzees. The degree of functional diversity in individuals will be assessed and compared among communities, populations, and subspecies. This project does not involve field research, but will incorporate use of data and fecal samples from wild chimpanzees that are the subjects of long term observation by collaborators in the field.
This position falls within the Leipzig School of Human Origins (http://imprs.eva.mpg.de/start.html), a joint graduate program of the University of Leipzig (Germany) and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. This program provides interdisciplinary training and research opportunities for university graduates who wish to work towards a Ph.D. in anthropology, biology, evolutionary genetics, primatology, paleoanthropology and related fields. Our graduate school is conducted in English, open for international students and designed as a 3-year-program with a research focus and a limited amount of formal classwork.
Qualifications/Experience: We invite applications from all countries. Applicants should have a Master's degree before the start of the program. Candidates should be fluent in written and spoken English. Knowledge of German is not required but international students have the opportunity to take free German courses. For this project a background and keen interest in molecular biology laboratory analyses is an advantage and knowledge of primates is helpful but not necessary.
Salary/funding: Ph.D. students are supported for the duration of their PhD by tax-free stipends of approximately 15,000 Euro per year. There are no tuition fees, and low cost health insurance is available. Leipzig is an attractive city with readily available housing and a relatively low cost of living.
Start Date and Applicaton process:
Applicants should follow the application process described at http://www.leipzig-school.eva.mpg.de/index.html and indicate interest in this project. The application deadline is January 31, 2012, and the planned starting date is September 2, 2013.
Contact Information:
Dr. Linda Vigilant
Deutscher Platz 6 Leipzig, Saxony 04103 Germany
POSITION 3 Field assistant or PhD position
Title: Behavioral Ecology and Spatial Cognition in the Aka hunter-gatherers
Hiring organization: Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVAN)
Position Description:
We are looking for a candidate for a project on the spatial cognition and knowledge of the Aka hunter-gatherers of the Central African Republic.
The project will be carried out in the broader frame of improving our understanding of the natural spatial skills requires for foraging in the tropical forest ecology of modern hunter-gatherers. This project is a joint collaborative project of Christophe Boesch with Barry Hewlett of Vancouver (USA). The candidate will be primary responsible of mapping food resources in the Aka territory and follow individuals during their daily forays in the forest.
Work Schedule:
- Preparation: approximately 2 weeks at the MPI EVAN
- Data collection: First field trip of 4 months in CAR is planned but is dependent upon the progress of the data collection.
- Analysis at the MPI EVAN
Qualifications/Requirements:
MSc (or comparable degree) in Behavioral Ecology or Anthropology. Sound field experience in the tropics, botanical knowledge, developed experience with GIS and GPS techniques will be favored. The field work requires good physical condition, the ability to work independently and under remote conditions. Good French speaking abilities are required.
If the qualification is there and the first field experience is completed to satisfaction, a Ph.D. on spatial cognition in the Aka hunter-gatherer could be envisioned.
Salary/funding:
The candidate will be supported by a stipend.
Terms of Appointment:
Initially for 6 months
Comments:
Applications including a cover letter stating research experience and interests, detailed curriculum vitae, and the names and e-mail addresses of two referees should be sent electronically. The evaluation process will start immediately and applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Contact Information:
Christophe Boesch
- Assistant to Prof. Christophe Boesch -
Max-Planck-Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Department of Primatology
Deutscher Platz No 6
D-04103 Leipzig / Germany
e-mail nebel@eva.mpg.de
phone ++49 (0) 341 3550 200
fax ++49 (0) 341 3550 299
Internet http://www.eva.mpg.de/primat/