The Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany offers a fully funded, four-year PhD position. The project explores animal behaviour, community ecology and stone tool use in gracile capuchin monkeys. Based in Konstanz, the research combines fieldwork, quantitative analysis and ecological modelling to examine how ecology, social behaviour and tool use shape animal populations. Applicants need a relevant master’s degree and previous field research experience. The successful candidate can start in summer or autumn 2027.
Position Details
- Job Title: PhD Student – Community Ecology, Stone Tool Use and Social Behaviour in Gracile Capuchin Monkeys
- Institution: Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior
- Research Group: Inheritance and Social Learning across Scales (ISLaS)
- Location: Konstanz, Germany
- Position Type: PhD / Doctoral Research
- Contract Duration: 4 years
- Working Hours: Full-time (100%)
- Funding and Salary: Fully funded; TVöD E-13 salary scale at 65%
- Expected Start Date: Summer or autumn 2027, flexible
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Research Areas: Animal behaviour, community ecology, evolutionary biology, population biology and quantitative ecology
- Group Leader: Dr Brendan Barrett
About the Position
The successful candidate will join the Inheritance and Social Learning across Scales (ISLaS) group in the Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies. The group studies how cultural transmission, social learning and ecological inheritance shape animal behaviour, ecology and evolution.
The group combines quantitative theory and statistical modelling with field observations. Its research draws on cultural evolution, population biology, spatial ecology and the quantitative social sciences.
The selected student will develop an independent PhD project in one of two areas: stone tool use and community ecology in white-faced capuchin monkeys in Panama, or comparative studies of capuchin social behaviour, ecology and movement across multiple sites.
Research Focus
- Animal behaviour
- Community ecology
- Primate ecology and behaviour
- Stone tool use
- Cultural evolution and social learning
- Population biology and demography
- Movement ecology
- Evolutionary biology
- Spatial ecology
- Bayesian statistical modelling
- Quantitative ecology
- Agent-based modelling
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in a scientific discipline, such as biology, ecology, anthropology, archaeology or quantitative sciences, and have previous field research experience.
Desirable skills and experience include:
- An interest in combining field research with quantitative methods, such as Bayesian data analysis, causal inference and theoretical modelling.
- Experience working in remote field environments and an interest in research in the tropical Americas.
- Programming skills in R, Python, Julia, Mathematica, NetLogo or similar tools.
- The ability to work independently, develop research questions and collaborate with researchers from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds.
The research group also welcomes candidates who have experience studying capuchin monkey systems but limited quantitative skills, provided they are willing to develop these skills with the group’s guidance.
Language requirements: Applicants must communicate effectively in English, the group’s working language. Spanish skills are desirable, but applicants do not need to speak German.
PhD Research Responsibilities
The selected candidate will carry out an independent PhD research project in one of the two advertised research areas.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing research questions and hypotheses about capuchin monkey behaviour, ecology, evolution or stone tool use.
- Collecting and analysing field data relevant to the chosen project.
- Analysing existing datasets and conducting field experiments where appropriate.
- Applying methods such as Bayesian analysis, causal inference, statistical modelling or agent-based modelling.
- Using camera traps, remote sensing and biological samples where relevant to the research.
- Developing and testing independent research ideas.
- Working with researchers in the ISLaS group and external research partners.
Depending on the chosen project, the candidate may conduct fieldwork in Panama. Field visits could range from short trips to stays lasting several months.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 1 December 2026
Expected start: Summer or autumn 2027, with flexibility.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the IMPRS online portal. Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Academic CV.
- Contact details for two referees.
- Letter of motivation.
- Research statement: Maximum two pages, excluding references. Include approximately half a page outlining your research interests, followed by a proposal of around 1–2 pages describing one or two specific biological questions or hypotheses, the theoretical framework, analytical methods, a mock figure and an interpretation of the figure.
- Code example: Include a sample with a brief explanation or a link to a public repository, if possible.
- AI declaration: Explain whether and how AI tools were used.
- Academic transcripts: Bachelor’s and master’s transcripts. Unofficial copies are accepted at the application stage, but official records are required before acceptance.
A complete PhD proposal is not required.
For enquiries, contact Dr Brendan Barrett at bbarrett@ab.mpg.de.
Applicants are encouraged to speak with current group members and alumni to learn more about the research environment.
Read the official vacancy details and submit your application through the institute’s website.
Related Opportunities: Human Evolution, Anthropology, Archaeology, PhD Scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PhD research topic?
The position focuses on community ecology, stone tool use and social behaviour in gracile capuchin monkeys. Candidates will work on either stone tool use in Panama or comparative research into capuchin behaviour and ecology across multiple sites.
Where is the PhD position based?
The position is based in Konstanz, Germany, at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior. Depending on the selected project, fieldwork may take place in Panama.
Is the PhD fully funded?
Yes. The position is funded for four years and paid according to the TVöD E-13 salary scale at 65%.
How can I apply for the position?
Submit your application through the official IMPRS online portal. Required materials include a CV, contact details for two referees, a motivation letter, a research statement, academic transcripts and an AI declaration. A code example should be included if possible.
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