The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI-EVA) in Leipzig, Germany, is a world-leading research institute investigating one of the most fundamental questions in science: What makes humans human? The institute brings together scientists from a wide range of disciplines who take an interdisciplinary approach to gain new insights into the history, diversity and capabilities of the human species.

In the Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, we use behavioral, field, and genomic approaches to shed light on the patterns and processes that guide primate evolution, including their evolutionary history, social and population structure, and responses to the environment.

We are offering a
Doctoral position on Primate Social Behavior (m/f/d)
Starting in January 2025, full-time (39 h/week)

The Gorilla Research Group at the Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution is looking for a talented and motivated young scientist passionate about carrying out research towards a doctoral thesis in primate behavioral ecology.
The work will focus on understanding the causes and consequences of affiliative social behavior in the two species of gorillas under the supervision of Dr. Martha Robbins. The overarching goal of this work is to understand the factors that influence the variation in affiliative behavior in gorillas, how it relates to other behavior such as aggression and ecological conditions, and the potential consequences of affiliative behavior. The research will involve analysis of long-term behavioral datasets and likely additional data collection in the field.

Your qualifications

• Successfully completed Master’s degree (including M.Sc. thesis) in biology, zoology, anthropology, or related fields.
• Previous experience collecting behavioral data on primates or social animals in natural settings.
• Background knowledge on animal behavior and statistical analysis.
• Experience with the scripting program R is highly recommended.
• Strong written and spoken English and the desire to work in a dynamic, international team (knowledge of German is not required for this position).

Our offer

• An exciting and rewarding job in a young, scientifically oriented, international team in one of the most renowned research institutions in Leipzig
• Access to state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure
• Targeted and individual mentoring
• The candidate will be enrolled within the International Max Planck Research School “The Leipzig School of Human Origins” (IMPRS-LSHO: https://www.leipzig-school.eva.mpg.de/about-us)
• A 3-year doctoral funding contract corresponding to the TVöD Bund (Collective Wage Agreement for the Public Service) that combines research in scientific freedom with social security. It allows doctoral researchers to devote themselves independently to their scientific work without any constraints.
• Excellent quality of life in Leipzig, including extensive green spaces, public transport options, work subsidy for the Deutschland job ticket, and support from a dedicated International Office
• Family-friendly offers (support in finding a suitable childcare, family room, flexible working hours)

Interested in applying?
Then we look forward to receiving your application! Please upload your complete application documents, including cover letter, CV and names of three referees, to our application tool via the link below.
The application deadline is September 1, 2025.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at primevo_sec@eva.mpg.de.

The Max Planck Society and the Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology are committed to employing individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply. Additionally, we seek to increase diversity of our workforce in areas where it is underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women and members of underrepresented groups to apply. Information about the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology can be found here: https://www.eva.mpg.de.

We look forward to receiving your completed online application via the following link:
https://www.eva.mpg.de/de/karriere/stellenangebote/job/661/Abteilung%20Verhalten%20und%20Evolution%20von%20Primaten/en/?cHash=e1e5d72b172cbb37ecc285a3bb8654db