Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) Sociality and cooperation in Pan

The German Primate Center (DPZ) - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research in Göttingen conducts basic research in primate biology, infection research and neuroscience. It maintains five field stations and is a competence and reference center for research on and with primates. The DPZ is one of the 97 research and infrastructure facilities of the Leibniz Association.

The DFG Emmy Noether Group „ Cooperative Evolution“ (Dr. Liran Samuni) at the German Primate Center, Göttingen, is looking for a highly motivated

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) Sociality and cooperation in Pan Earliest starting date: April 1st 2024. The post is for up to 2 years, contingent upon performance. The candidate will be affiliated with the Cooperative Evolution Laboratory at the German Primate Center, Göttingen. The Cooperative Evolution Research Group focuses on the intersection between ecological variation, intra- and inter-group dynamics, and cooperation in our closest living relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos. We ask questions about how biotic and abiotic factors shape competition, cooperation, sociality, and behavioral diversity within and between individuals, groups, and populations. The aims of this post will be to examine how ecological and social environmental challenges impact decision making of individuals and groups and how these challenges shape dyadic and group-level cooperation of members of the Pan genus. The position holder will be expected to contribute to this research by processing and analyzing large existing long-term ecological, behavioral, and video datasets from multiple chimpanzee and bonobo communities across sub-Saharan Africa. The position includes the opportunity to participate in field work.

The successful applicant will be able to conduct complex analyses (e.g., Bayesian modelling, Markov Models, simulations), be comfortable with the potential for remote fieldwork in Africa, have a good understanding of field data collection and large data processing in R, and the capacity to effectively coordinate work within a wide collaborative network.

What we expect

a PhD (or be nearing completion) in a relevant academic field (biological anthropology, biology, psychology, data science, or related subjects)
a strong academic track-record and demonstration of sufficient knowledge in the discipline and research methods
ability to demonstrate strong data handling techniques and proficiency in R
experience in the quantitative analyses of ecological and/or behavioral data
good writing and communication skills (English)
field work experience with chimpanzees and/or bonobos is an advantage

What we offer

a stimulating intellectual environment
support and the opportunity to develop one’s scientific profile and career
possibility to gain supervisory and teaching experience
establishing collaborations with researchers from different fields
travel budget including support for conference visits

How to apply

The application should consist of a single PDF file containing the following information in that order:

a cover letter including a motivation statement, a description of fit for the position, the academic interests of the applicant, and their prospect of research development in the field
CV including list of publications (with DOIs), a summary of funding received, field work and academic work experience, and demonstration of technical skills in data management or analysis
names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, affiliation, relation to candidate, e- mail, and telephone number)

We welcome diversity and therefore welcome applications from qualified people, regardless of their ethnic, cultural and social background, gender, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity. Registered disabled applicants with equal aptitude and qualifications will be given preferential consideration. We kindly ask you to indicate a disability in your application.

Employment at the DPZ is based on the civil service rules and regulations. The salary scale is in accordance with TV-L, with VBL pension scheme.

Please submit your application in electronic form under the key word "Postdoctoral, Dr. Samuni” to bewerbung@dpz.eu by Jan 20^th 2024 (Midnight CET). For further information please write to Dr. Liran Samuni lsamuni(at)dpz.eu. Interviews are expected to take place in February 2024.

For more information about the DPZ, please visit http://www.dpz.eu.

Further information on the Leibniz Association can be found at www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de.

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