3 Internship Positions at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
TOPIC: Internship at the Max Planck Institute EVA in primate behavior and cognition
We are offering three internship positions for a fixed term of 6 months (01.11.2020 – 30.04.2021) which offer scientific and methods training towards further scientific studies at Masters or PhD level. Within the framework of this internship position, you will work in an international team of researchers and perform data collection on behavior, vocalizations and cognition of great apes and monkeys living in European Zoos and African Sanctuaries, coding of video and audio data and data analysis. This internship period will enable you to become familiar with a variety of experimental setups, methodologies and technologies and you will make an important contribution to a larger project that examines behavior and brain connectivity in hominoids.
Qualification and requirements
A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Evolutionary Anthropology or Comparative Psychology is expected, Master’s degree in one of these subjects is of advantage. English is required, German or French are of advantage.
A strong interest in animal behavior, evolutionary biology and methods for behavioral research and the wish to do a Masters or PhD in a related topic later are a strong advantage. Previous observations and detailed behavioral data collection on mammals in the zoo, particularly great apes, are also an advantage. Experience with R coding is an advantage. The successful candidate will have to work dynamically and independently according to a predefined protocol, but in close coordination with other team members working in both the field and the zoos as well as with the zoo staff. Good social skills are important and strict compliance with ethical and animal welfare principles is essential for this work. Working in an international team, good communication abilities are required. This internship positions also requires enthusiasm, flexibility, mobility and the readiness for longer stays in European zoos and African sanctuaries.
Salary / funding
For the positions advertised, we offer a remuneration according to German rules. Start and term of appointment is November 2020, or as soon as possible afterwards. The anticipated duration of the internship will be 6 months (01.11.2020 – 30.04.2021). For applicants with a MSc, those showing exceptional promise may have the option to continue as PhD candidates.
Comments
Applications include a cover letter stating research experience and motivation, a detailed curriculum vitae and the names and e-mail addresses of two referees. The application documents should be sent electronically to crockford@eva.mpg.de and wittig@eva.mpg.de. Application deadline is September 30, 2020 or until position is filled thereafter.
Contact information Catherine Crockford: crockford@eva.mpg.de; Roman Wittig: wittig@eva.mpg.de
The Max Planck Society is committed to equal opportunities and to employing individuals with disabilities and explicitly encourages them to apply.
We look forward to receiving your completed application.