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Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior
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Postdoctoral position (m/f/d) | The sensory ecology of worm towers Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Paid according to experience and qualifications under the public service collective agreement (TVöD-Bund).
Deadline
Dec 11, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior
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About this position
The Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior is offering a postdoctoral position in the Genes and Behavior Research Group, based in Constance and Radolfzell, Germany. The project examines the sensory ecology of worm towers in Caenorhabditis nematodes, building on recent findings that towering behavior can function as a mechanism for collective dispersal.
The successful candidate will study how worm towers acquire, process, and respond to environmental and social information to enable tower construction, vector detection, and collective relocation. The work is centered on sensory biology and collective behavior, with interest in how worms may function as a sensory collective and how sensory systems and decision-making adapt to ecological conditions.
Research in this postdoctoral project will involve designing, executing, and analyzing experiments, with scope to shape the project around the candidate’s skills, experience, and ideas. The approach is mainly laboratory-based and may also include field work in the district of Constance. The group combines genetic, behavioral, quantitative, and modeling approaches to study collective behaviors in nematodes, including C. elegans.
The position is hosted by the Genes and Behavior group led by Dr. Serena Ding at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, within an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
Funding details
Paid according to experience and qualifications under the public service collective agreement (TVöD-Bund).
What's required
A PhD in invertebrate neuroscience, animal behavior, collective behavior, or a related field is required. Applicants should have a fundamental interest in biological phenomena, an open-minded approach to questions, literature awareness, and the willingness and ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a scientifically and culturally diverse team. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are required. Knowledge of C. elegans sensory biology and creativity/breadth in experimental approaches are desirable.
How to apply
Submit a motivation letter with a brief outline of your proposed approach and mock-up result figures, a CV, contact details for two references, and a statement about using AI to prepare the application. Apply through the application portal.
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