Research Associate (m/f/d)
(Salary level E 13 TV-L, 63,3 %)
The Comparative BioCognition Research Group (Prof. Dr. Simone Pika) of the Institute of Cognitive Science at Osnabrück University is seeking to appoint a Research Associate to start work as early as possible for a period of 3 years.
The position allows for further scientific qualification (Ph.D).
Your duties:
The position involves participation in the research and teaching activities of the Comparative BioCognition group at Osnabrueck University in the domain of nonhuman animals’ cognition, communication, trust, and their evolutionary trajectories. The core of the work will be on tackling the evolutionary roots of human trust by studying interactions of chimpanzees living in two different communities in the Loango National Park, Gabon and the Taï National Park, Côte D’Ivoire, and investigating linked demographic and social factors. The research associate will contribute to ongoing long-term data collection efforts at the Taï field site, analyze already existing video footage, and develop his/her own research questions within the scope of the broader focus on trust and involved communicative and social factors.
The position involves teaching Cognitive Science courses at B.Sc. and M.Sc. levels (2,5 semester hours).
Requirements:
- An academic degree (Master/Diploma) in Biology, Evolutionary, Anthropology, Psychology, Cognitive Science or related fields and a strong background in animal behaviour, communication, cognition or trust
- Experience in carrying out field observations and collecting and annotating systematic data on social living honhuman primates
- Salient expertise in conducting statistical analyses using R, LMM’s and GLMM’s or Bayesian Statistics
- Very good written and spoken English skills
- Fluency in French
Desired qualifications:
The ideal candidate has
- Experience in behavioural, social or communicative analyses, and demonstrates eagerness for developing his/her skills in the other
- The willingness, physical and psychological ability to conduct ecology field work in Africa across several months (in the Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire)
- Strong social skills, affinity to collaborative work and the ability to work in an intercultural and remote environment
Osnabrück University is a family-friendly University and is committed to helping working parents balance their family and working lives. Osnabrück University is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and the professional equality of the genders. We promote a culture of science and work that enables fair opportunities and a discrimination-free environment for learning, teaching, and working. In doing so, we strive for fair representation of all social groups among our staff and work to counteract underrepresentation.
Applications from people with severe disabilities and those treated as equivalent under applicable law will be given preferential consideration where candidates are equally qualified.
Please submit your application with the usual supporting documentation (proof of diploma, CV and cover letter) by e-mail in a single PDF file to Prof. Dr. Simone Pika (spika@uos.de) with a cc to office@ikw.uni-osnabrueck.de no later than September 10, 2026. Further information can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Simone Pika (spika@uos.de).
We look forward to receiving your application.