PhD position in field-based human ecology and behavior

Stellenbeschreibung:

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVA) brings together scientists from diverse backgrounds (natural sciences and humanities) with the aim of investigating the history of humankind from an interdisciplinary perspective using comparative analyses of genes, cultures, cognitive abilities, languages and social systems of past and present human populations, as well as those of primates closely related to humans.

Position Overview

The PhD student will conduct fieldwork among Indigenous Nicaraguan horticulturalists at a field site that is maintained by Dr. Jeremy Koster. The project continues longitudinal research on time allocation and adaptive behavioral strategies and provides the opportunity to examine age‑related behavioral changes in concert with variation in household demographics and material wealth, social networks and kinship, physical strength, and ecological knowledge, among other variables. As a complement to the long‑term field research, the project will advance methods for the longitudinal analysis of behavioral data with multilevel statistical models, building on training that is provided at the Institute.

We seek a candidate with research interests in human behavior and aptitude for quantitative research. Candidates with aspirations of continuing research after the PhD will be prioritized.

Essential Criteria

Excellent academic performance and strong motivation to pursue a PhD
Fluent in written and spoken English (which is the working language of the Institute)
Functional Spanish language skills
Willingness, and ideally previous experience, to conduct fieldwork‑based research
Willingness to collaborate effectively and have strong teamwork skills

Desired Skills

Experience with living and working in remote, rural locations
Familiarity with R computing software
Experience with database management
Experience with statistical analysis

What We Offer

Highly integrative projects that require a willingness to embrace multiple disciplines and close collaborations with other researchers with different backgrounds.
State‑of‑the‑art equipment.
An excellent research environment.
A structured training program.
German language courses are offered (German language skills are not required)
Successful candidates will obtain a 3‑year Ph.D. position corresponding to TVöD Bund (Collective Wage Agreement for the Public Service). The doctoral funding contracts combine research in scientific freedom with social security, allowing doctoral researchers to devote themselves independently to their scientific work without any constraints.
The agreed working time currently amounts to 39 hours per week.
Consumables and equipment required for the project will be covered by the department.
Selected Ph.D. students would ideally start at the beginning of September 2026 (and a Master’s degree must be completed by this date).

Applications

You want to apply?

Applications should include:

Cover letter (max. 2 pages), outlining your previous research experience, your specific area(s) of research interest, and a brief overview of potential research extensions or questions that interest you within the scope of the project.
Curriculum vitae with the names and contact information of at least two referees.
Scientific certificates (B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees).

All electronic applications should be submitted by 30th of May, 2026.

Contact: jeremy_koster@…