Hiring Organization:
Free University Berlin, Germany
Date Posted:
2010-05-21
Position Description:
Differential and Personality Research in Primates
(subject to final approval by the funding agency)
start July 2010 (expected)
Background
Individual-specific patterns of behaviour (personality differences) are increasingly studied in nonhuman primates, but systematic descriptions and categorisations are still lacking for many species. We seek to develop such descriptions for several simian and great ape species using non-invasive behaviour tests and observations, and sophisticated methodological and statistical approaches.
More information and pertinent publications are available at www.primate-personality.net.
Job description
You will be based at Free University Berlin, an internationally renowned network university, where you will have the opportunity to learn highly developed methodological approaches, statistics, and techniques for recording and coding behaviour. Work will include active engagement in an international and multidisciplinary research team including Dr. Jana Uher, Free University Berlin, and Dr. Elisabetta Visalberghi, CNR laboratory in Rome, Italy. Your tasks will be to develop non-invasive behavioural tests and observation schemes, to use them to collect behavioural data in captive Capuchin monkeys from collaborating research institutions in Europe, apply psychometric statistic analyses, prepare scientific publications, and help building up an international and interdisciplinary network.
Qualifications/Experience:
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated PhD-student who is interested in differential and personality psychology, behavioural sciences, and primate research. A high quality Diploma, Masters, or equivalent degree in psychology or behavioural sciences, profound background in methods and statistics, deep interest or experience in behavioural measurement and primates, and excellent knowledge of English are required. Applicants are expected to travel and stay abroad temporarily, be capable of independent analytical thinking, be self-organised, efficient, be responsible in their work, and engage actively in a multidisciplinary team. The working language is English; knowledge of or interest in learning some Italian is desirable.
Salary/funding:
3-year part-time research assistant 50-65% BAT IIa (German pay scale) Yearly salary is 18.000-24.000 Euro.
Term of Appointment:
Review of applications will start on June 15 and continue until the position is filled. Ideally, the successful applicant will start in July 2010.
Comments:
Application procedure
Applicants should submit a letter summarising their motivation, research interests and relevant experience, a complete CV, proof of degree and relevant qualifications, a list of publications (if any), and the names of two possible referees including their e-mail addresses. The letter should be submitted electronically as a single *.pdf file. Additionally, please send as separate *.pdf files your thesis (Diploma/ Master/ equivalent) and
(if available) previous publications to: jana.uher (at) fu-berlin.de
Contact Information:
Dr. Jana Uher
Habelschwerdter Allee 45, JK25 / 121f
Berlin 14195
Germany
Telephone Number:
+49-30-838 55 600
Fax Number:
+49-(0)321-211 74 699
Website:
http://www.primate-personality.net
E-mail Address:
jana.uher@fu-berlin.de