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
Country
Germany
University
Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior

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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.
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