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Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior

PhD in Analysis of Communication and Coordination in Animal Groups Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

The PhD position is full-time and fully funded for 4 years, with TVöD salary scale E-13 at 65%.

Deadline

Nov 22, 2026

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Country

Germany

University

Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior

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Keywords

Computer Science
Biology
Animal Behavior
Computational Biology
Quantitative Analysis
Collective Behavior
Movement Ecology
Bioacoustics
Statistics
Physics

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About this position

PhD opportunity in communication and coordination in animal groups at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (sites in Konstanz and Radolfzell, Germany), within the Communication and Collective Movement (CoCoMo) Group led by Dr. Ariana Strandburg-Peshkin.

This PhD focuses on animal behavior, communication, collective behavior, movement ecology, and bioacoustics. The project uses large-scale datasets from social animals in the wild, including movement, behavioral, and acoustic data collected with tracking collars and passive acoustic monitoring. Study systems mentioned include meerkats, white-nosed coatis, and spotted hyenas.

The student will develop quantitative analyses and may also build theoretical models, with possible directions such as vocal drivers of collective transitions, social dynamics of sleep, long-range signal cascades, or a self-designed question in the broad area of communication and collective behavior. The role is especially suitable for applicants with strong programming and data-analysis skills.

Eligibility highlights: a Master's degree in a scientific discipline such as biology, physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering; quantitative background; programming experience in R/Python/MATLAB or similar; independence; and strong teamwork skills. English is the working language, and German is not required.

Funding: fully funded for 4 years, TVöD E-13 at 65%.

Location: Konstanz, Germany. The student may also join the IMPRS-QBEE doctoral program and collaborate with the University of Konstanz and other partners.

Deadline: 2026-11-22. Apply via the online portal and include a motivation letter/research statement, research proposal, code example, AI declaration, CV, two reference letters, a writing sample, and transcripts.

Funding details

The PhD position is full-time and fully funded for 4 years, with TVöD salary scale E-13 at 65%.

What's required

Applicants should have a Master's degree in any scientific discipline, including biology, physics, mathematics, computer science or engineering. A quantitative background is required, along with prior programming experience in R, Python, MATLAB, or similar. Strong independence, enthusiasm for biological questions, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to work in an international interdisciplinary team are expected. English is the working language; German is not required.

How to apply

Apply through the online portal by 2026-11-22. Submit a motivation letter/research statement, research proposal, code example, AI declaration, CV, two reference letters, a scientific writing sample, and academic transcripts translated into English.

More information can be found here

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