About the Position
The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, invites applications for a three-year, fully funded Postdoctoral Researcher position in human biomechanics within the Department of Human Origins. This exciting postdoctoral opportunity focuses on experimental biomechanics of evolutionarily relevant human behaviours, including diverse locomotion and tool-use patterns, essential for interpreting the human fossil and archaeological record.
The successful candidate will work within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team, conducting independent research using 3D motion capture, force and pressure quantification, and computational methods. Access to a state-of-the-art biomechanics laboratory and a fracture mechanics lab ensures a robust environment for experimental studies, while mentorship and guidance from senior researchers support professional development and high-impact publications.
Applicants must hold a PhD in Biomechanics, Zoology, Biological Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field, with demonstrated experience in experimental biomechanics or tool-use research. Preferred candidates will have skills in Python, R, computer vision, and designing independent experiments. Excellent teamwork, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills are essential for success in this dynamic research setting.
This is a full-time, non-tenure-track postdoctoral position for three years, starting in August 2026, offering a competitive MPI salary and opportunities for international collaboration, conference participation, and engagement in cutting-edge evolutionary anthropology research. Applications from highly motivated researchers seeking a unique, fully funded postdoctoral fellowship in human biomechanics and human evolution research are strongly encouraged.
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Program / Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Institution: Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Germany
- Department: Human Origins, Human Sciences Section
- Research Field: Human Biomechanics / Evolutionary Anthropology
- Supervisor: Dr Tracy L. Kivell
- Location: Leipzig, Germany
- Job Type: Full-time, Postdoctoral
- Number of Positions: 1
- Start Date: August 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary / Funding: Fully funded MPI postdoctoral salary
- Required Degree / Diploma: PhD in Biomechanics, Zoology, Biological Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field
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Research Area
- Experimental biomechanics of human evolution-relevant movements
- Locomotion and tool-use analysis
- Functional morphology and comparative primate research
- Quantitative analyses using 3D motion capture and force measurement
- Computational methods (Python/R) and computer vision
- Integration with fossil and archaeological evidence
- Interdisciplinary human sciences research
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Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Biomechanics, Zoology, Biological Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field
- Experience in experimental biomechanics or tool-use research
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with 3D motion capture and force/pressure quantification
- Proficiency in Python, R, or computer vision frameworks
- Ability to design independent experiments and evolutionary-based research questions
- Interdisciplinary collaboration experience
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent and collaborative research projects
- Collaborate with functional morphologists, archaeologists, and primatologists
- Apply experimental biomechanics techniques to human evolution studies
- Contribute to publications and conference presentations
- Support interdisciplinary research within the Department of Human Origins
Application Process
Applicants must upload their required documents and submit the application on the official Max Planck Institute Career Portal. ✅
Require documents
- CV (including a publication list)
- a summary of previous research
- and a statement of interest
Additional requirements for the application
- English language certificate, if applicable.
- In addition to your CV, a summary of your previous research should be a maximum of 2 pages.
- Statement of interest should be a maximum of 2 pages.
- Please provide the names and contact information for at least three referees. We will contact your referees directly should you be short-listed for this position.
Important Dates:
- Applications Open: March 2026
- Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
- Expected Start Date: August 2026
Where to Apply
- University / Institute Website: Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
- Department / Research Group Information: Department of Human Origins
- Official Job Announcement: Postdoctoral Researcher – Biomechanics of Human Evolution
- Application Portal: Submit Your Application
📧 Contact for Queries:
- Email: tracy_kivell@eva.mpg.de
- Phone: +49 (0) 341 3550 350
This position offers an excellent opportunity for scholars seeking fully funded research positions, international academic collaboration, and advanced research opportunities in Germany.
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