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Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior

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PhD in Community Ecology, Stone Tool Use, and Social Behavior in Gracile Capuchin Monkeys Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Fully funded for 4 years at TVöD salary scale E-13, 65%.

Deadline

Dec 1, 2026

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Country

Germany

University

Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior

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Keywords

Computer Science
Ecology
Anthropology
Environmental Science
Biology
Animal Behavior
Archaeology
Model Theory
Causal Inference
Social Behavior
Bayesian Statistics
Camera Trapping
Statistics

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About this position

PhD position in community ecology, stone tool use, and social behavior in gracile capuchin monkeys at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Konstanz, Germany, within the Ecology of Animal Societies and the ISLaS group led by Brendan Barrett.

The project is part of the IMPRS-QBEE doctoral program and offers a flexible start in summer/autumn 2027. The position is fully funded for 4 years (TVöD E-13, 65%).

Two project directions are available: (A) community ecology of stone tool use in white-faced capuchins in Coiba National Park, Panama, including field experimentation, camera trapping, data analysis, and modeling; or (B) multi-site comparisons of social behavior, ecology, movement, and population demography in Cebus using indirect approaches such as camera trapping, remote sensing, and biological samples.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in a scientific discipline such as biology, ecology, anthropology, archaeology, or the quantitative sciences, plus previous field research experience. Strong quantitative interests are valued, especially Bayesian data analysis, causal inference, theoretical modeling, programming, and interdisciplinary thinking. English is the working language; Spanish is desirable and German is not required.

Apply by 2026-12-01 via the IMPRS online portal. Materials include a CV, two references, motivation letter, research statement, research interests summary, a short research proposal based on project A or B, a code example if available, an AI declaration, and BSc/MSc transcripts.

Funding details

Fully funded for 4 years at TVöD salary scale E-13, 65%.

What's required

Applicants must have a Masters degree in a scientific discipline such as biology, ecology, anthropology, archaeology, or the quantitative sciences, and some previous field research experience. Desired qualifications include enthusiasm for integrating observational and/or experimental field data with Bayesian data analysis, causal inference, or theoretical modelling; broad interdisciplinary thinking; prior field experience in remote environments; willingness to conduct field research in the tropical Americas; ability to work and communicate in a cross-cultural context; and programming experience in R, Python, Julia, Mathematica, NetLogo, or similar. Independence, proactive project development, and knowing when to ask for help are important. English is the working language; Spanish is desirable and German is not required.

How to apply

Apply through the IMPRS Online portal by 1 December 2026. Submit CV, contact details for 2 references, a motivation letter, a research statement, a research interests summary, a 1–2 page research proposal choosing project A or B, a code example if possible, an AI declaration, and BSc/MSc transcripts.

More information can be found here

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