Postdoctoral Researcher in Animal Behaviour, Parochial Prosociality, and Primate Social Cognition
Utrecht University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the Animal Behaviour & Cognition research group led by Dr. Jorg Massen. The position focuses on investigating whether and how intergroup conflict shapes (parochial) prosociality in primates, aiming to identify the behavioural, neuroendocrine, and (epi)genetic mechanisms underlying parochialism. The research will involve experimental manipulation of intergroup competition, behavioural experiments to measure prosociality, social tolerance, and cooperation, and the analysis of saliva and blood samples to study endocrine and genetic influences. The successful candidate will work primarily with multigenerational groups of rhesus macaques at the Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC) in Rijswijk, Netherlands.
This project is funded by a DFG/NWO Weave Grant and is a collaboration between Utrecht University, the German Primate Center (Dr. Claudia Fichtel), and the University of Groningen (Professor Carsten de Dreu). The broader project includes ecological and functional analyses of parochialism in wild lemurs, conducted by a PhD student supervised by Dr. Fichtel. The postdoc will be responsible for conducting research using standard ethological observation techniques, combining observational and experimental methods, collecting and analysing salivary oxytocin, supporting (epi)genetic analyses, and performing advanced statistical analyses on behavioural data. The role also includes a teaching component (20%), offering opportunities for professional development.
Applicants should have a PhD in animal behaviour or a related field, experience in behavioural experiments and structural observations of animal social behaviour (preferably with primates), and familiarity with physiological parameters in animal behaviour studies. A strong background in data analysis using R is required, with preference for experience in Bayesian statistics and social network analysis. Lab experience in endocrinology and/or genetics is preferred. Candidates should possess strong social skills, experience with academic writing, and proficiency in English.
The position is fully funded for one year (1.0 FTE), with the possibility of a two-year extension upon positive evaluation. The gross monthly salary ranges from €3,546 to €5,538 (full-time), with 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus. Utrecht University offers a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible employment terms, and professional development opportunities. The Animal Behaviour and Cognition group is part of the Institute of Environmental Biology within the Department of Biology, conducting research on animal social behaviour and cognition, particularly in primates and birds.
To apply, submit your letter of motivation, CV, and contact details for at least two references via the Utrecht University job portal by 11 March 2026. For more information, contact Dr. Jorg Massen at [email protected].
