Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence
1 month ago
PhD or Postdoc Position in Behavioral Neurobiology and Avian Biosonar Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence in Germany
Degree Level
PhD, Postdoc
Field of study
Evolutionary Biology
Funding
Full-time, fully funded for 3 years starting 1 December 2026 or later. PhD funding is at E13 TVöD, 65%, and Postdoc funding is at E13 TVöD, 100%, with full coverage of health and social insurances. Includes training, conference participation, and access to research infrastructure.
Country
Germany
University
Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence
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About this position
PhD or Postdoc position in Behavioral Neurobiology at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence (Seewiesen site), Germany.
The Neural Mechanisms of Natural Behavior Research Group is recruiting a pre- or postdoctoral researcher for an HFSP-funded project on the neural mechanisms of avian biosonar behavior. The project investigates how freely flying birds process somatosensory and auditory information during echolocation, with a special focus on whether facial feathers in oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis) function as high-frequency sound sensors.
This is a multidisciplinary opportunity combining behavioral ecology, neuroscience, bioacoustics, neurophysiology, in-vivo electrophysiology, animal behavior monitoring, programming, and electrical engineering. The work uses behavioral monitoring and cutting-edge wireless technology to record extracellular neuronal activity and vocalization behavior simultaneously.
The position is based in Seewiesen, Southern Bavaria, Germany, with extended field research periods in Colombia. The team is described as young, collaborative, and international, and the project emphasizes research under natural and social conditions.
Eligibility differs by level: PhD applicants should have an MSc in Biology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognition, Ecology, Evolution, or a related area, plus a strong interest in neuroscience and behavioral ecology. Postdoc applicants should hold a PhD in neuroscience or a closely related field, have documented expertise in in-vivo electrophysiology, and show a strong publication record. All candidates must be willing to travel internationally and work in field-based settings.
Funding is fully covered for 3 years. The PhD salary is E13 TVöD at 65%, and the Postdoc salary is E13 TVöD at 100%, with full health and social insurance coverage. The role also offers academic and technical training, career development support, conference participation, and access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
To apply, email a single PDF to Dr. Susanne Hoffmann including a one-page motivation letter, CV with publication list, one-page research experience summary, and contact information for at least two referees. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Funding details
Full-time, fully funded for 3 years starting 1 December 2026 or later. PhD funding is at E13 TVöD, 65%, and Postdoc funding is at E13 TVöD, 100%, with full coverage of health and social insurances. Includes training, conference participation, and access to research infrastructure.
What's required
For the PhD position, applicants should hold an MSc degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognition, Ecology, Evolution, or an equivalent area, and show genuine interest in neuroscience and behavioral ecology. For the Postdoc position, applicants should hold a PhD in neuroscience or a closely related field, have well-documented expertise in in-vivo electrophysiology, and demonstrate a strong publication track record. All candidates must be willing to travel internationally for extended periods, work in field-based settings, and bring expertise in at least one of the following: neurophysiology, bioacoustics, monitoring of animal behavior, neuroanatomy, programming, or electrical engineering. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills are required.
How to apply
Send a single PDF by email to Dr. Susanne Hoffmann including a one-page motivation letter, CV with publication list, one-page research experience report, and contact details for at least two referees. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
More information can be found here
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