The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany seeks to fill Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral positions in the areas of primate behavior and evolution; human adaptation, ecology, and culture; human evolutionary genomics (including modern humans and archaic hominins); and genetic analysis from archaeological sediments.
We will consider diverse candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, including life sciences, computer science, anthropology, and archaeology. Depending on your research interests, previous experience with nonhuman primate or human cross-cultural field research, molecular genetic wet lab techniques, and/or advanced computational and statistical analysis (especially large sequence datasets) are desirable. We seek individuals that are highly self-motivated, able to work independently, and interested in collaborating closely and effectively with other members in a research team. The positions have flexible start dates and are fully funded according to German TVöD pay scales.
Successful applicants will work in close collaboration with researchers from a variety of scientific backgrounds to address questions about human and non-human primate evolution, genetics, behavior and ecology from an interdisciplinary perspective. Specific projects will be dependent on the skills and interests of the candidate and will be in one of the following departments or groups:
Ph.D positions:
- Dept. of Archaeogenetics: Molecular Paleopathology (Kirsten Bos); Computational Population Genomics (Harald Ringbauer)
- Dept. Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture (Richard McElreath), dept. in general
- Dept. Primate Behavior and Evolution (Jenny Tung), dept. in general, and specifically: Primate Skeletal Genomics (Genevieve Housman)
- Max Planck Research Group for Ancient Environmental Genomics (Benjamin Vernot)
- Lise Meitner Group BirthRites - Cultures of Reproduction (Heidi Colleran)
- Lise Meitner Group Technological Primates (Lydia Luncz)
PostDoctoral positions:
- Dept. of Archaeogenetics: Population Genetics (Stephan Schiffels)
- Dept. Primate Behavior and Evolution: Gorilla research group (Martha Robbins), Primate Skeletal Genomics (Genevieve Housman)
- Lise Meitner Group BirthRites - Cultures of Reproduction (Heidi Colleran)
- Lise Meitner Group Technological Primates (Lydia Luncz)
- Evolution of Brain Connectivity (EBC) project (Philipp Gunz)
Candidates are invited to apply with:
- Cover letter, explaining your research experience and interest in the department or research group you are applying with (~2 pages)
- Your CV, including your publications (if applicable)
- Undergraduate/graduate transcript and proof of most recent degree
- Names and contact information (including e-mail and phone) for 2-3 referees
For Ph.D. applicants, an M.Sc. degree is typically required, but strong students with a Bachelor’s degree may also be approved for a Ph.D. program based on an approved course of study and aptitude exam.
The Max Planck Society is committed to employing individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply. Additionally, we seek to increase diversity of our workforce in areas where it is underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women and members of underrepresented groups to apply.
Location
The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology spear-heads research in the evolution of modern humans and our close relatives. The institute currently encompasses multiple departments working towards this goal by studying genetics, language, psychology, anthropology, and primate behavior. It is located in Leipzig, Germany, one of the most livable cities in the world.
For queries, please contact: leipzig-school@eva.mpg.de
Deadline for applications is 1 December 2022.
Only complete submissions via the link at the bottom of the job offer will be considered!
We look forward to receiving your completed online application.