Hiring Organization:
University of Göttingen, Germany
Position Description:
The Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour at University of Göttingen (http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/92425.html) and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology Leipzig (http://www.eva.mpg.de/) offer a PhD position in a joint project on competition among female bonobos that is embedded in the long-term field project in LuiKotale, Salonga NP, Democratic Republic of Congo. The project combines collection of detailed behavioural data and urine samples (for hormone measures) in the field, work in the endocrinology lab of the MPI of Evolutionary Anthropology, and theoretical work at the CRC in Göttingen. Essential requirements are a strong theoretical background in behavioural ecology, adequate field experience, and advanced knowledge in the collection of behavioural data from wild animals. At the field site, candidates will interact with an international research team and local field assistants. Field work at this unusually remote site is extremely physically and mentally demanding and requires goal orientation and endurance. Data will be collected from members of one bonobo community that have been fully habituated to the presence of researchers but difficult observation conditions and the mobility of subjects are challenging. Information about the field site and research activities at LuiKotale is available at www.eva.mpg.de/primat
Qualifications/Experience:
We ask for a M.Sc. degree in hand by May 2012 in Behavioral or Evolutionary Biology, Anthropology, Ecology or a related field and (1) field experience,
(2) advanced language skills in English and (ideally) French, (3) above average physical fitness, (4) high resistance to social/psychological stress, (5) the ability to achieve tasks by improvisation, using the limited resources that are available. Candidates need to have social skills, a strong motivation to take on responsibility, and tolerance.
Salary/funding:
We offer a limited contract for three years with the standard German PhD salary pay grade TVL 13/2 with health and social security benefits. Funds from DFG are available for all material, lab-costs, and work-related travel.
The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as they are underrepresented in this field. Disabled persons with equivalent aptitude will be favored for the position.
Application Deadline:
The deadline for application is April 10th 2012 and the successful candidate should begin the project in June 2012. Candidates should send a letter of interests, a CV, and at least two letters of recommendation via email to Oliver Schülke (oschuel@gwdg.de) and Gottfried Hohmann (hohmann@eva.mpg.de).
Contact Information:
Oliver Schülke
Courant Research Centre Evolution of Social Behaviour, Kellnerweg 6
37077 Göttingen, none
Germany
Telephone Number:
+49-551-393926
Website:
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/92425.html
E-mail Address:
oschuel@gwdg.de