Postdoctoral Researcher (all genders welcome)

Postdoctoral Researcher (all genders welcome)

The German Primate Center (DPZ) - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research in Göttingen conducts basic research in primate biology, molecular biomedicine and neuroscience. It maintains four field stations and is a competence and reference center for research on and with primates. The DPZ is one of the 96 research and infrastructure facilities of the Leibniz Association.

Cognition in the wild

The Fichtel-team investigates the links between cognition, behavioral strategies, and survival in lemurs at our field site Kirindy Forest, Madagascar.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher. This is a full-time position (E13 TV-L) for a period of 2 years, with the option to extend the contract for a further 3 years. The project is expected to commence at the earliest on July 1st, 2026, pending final approval of the funding.

Project Aims

The aim of this project is to explore links between cognition, behavioral strategies, and fitness in wild lemurs to unravel the processes underlying cognitive evolution. For cognitive abilities to evolve, performance must be linked to individual fitness benefits of behavioral decisions in contexts such as finding food, shelters and mating partners, raising offspring, and avoiding predators and parasites. We investigate these links by studying how performance in cognitive tests and effectiveness in navigating among resources co-varies with behavioral strategies in these contexts and determine the associated fitness outcomes.

Qualifications

• PhD in Behavioral Biology or a related field e.g., Cognitive Sciences
• Experience in conducting observational and experimental studies with wild animals
• Experience in tracking animal movements and analyzing spatial data; experience with establishing genetic pedigrees would be a plus
• Track record of independent project management and leadership skills
• Excellent critical thinking and communication skills
• Basic French skills would be an advantage

Offer

• An exciting and ambitious project with room for intellectual independence and the opportunity to expand your own research profile
• An interdisciplinary, collaborative and team-oriented international research environment
• Opportunities to contribute to the training and supervision of Malagasy MSc and PhD students
• Stimulating research environment offering interdisciplinary research networks (CRC 1528 ‘Cognition of interaction’, RTG 2906 ‘Curiosity’, SPP 2205 ‘Evolutionary optimization of neuronal processing’) bringing together scientists from psychology, neurobiology and behavioral biology who are all studying cognitive abilities in primates from different perspectives.

Application Process

• Applications due by 15 May 2026
• A motivation letter describing your relevant expertise and research interests
• A CV including list of publications
• Certified copies of your degrees

Diversity

We welcome diversity and therefore welcome applications from qualified people, regardless of their ethnic, cultural and social background, gender, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity. Registered disabled applicants with equal aptitude and qualifications will be given preferential consideration. We kindly ask you to indicate a disability in your application.

Employment Conditions

Employment at the DPZ is based on the civil service rules and regulations. The salary scale is in accordance with TV-L, with VBL pension scheme. We offer a subsidy for the Germany Ticket to promote sustainable mobility.