Postdoctoral position (m/f/d) | The social dynamics of collective dispersal

Overview

The Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior at its sites in Konstanz and Radolfzell offers an international, interdisciplinary, and cooperative environment that enables unique research opportunities. The goal of our basic research is to develop a quantitative and predictive understanding of the decisions and movements of animals in their natural environment.

For the Genes and Behavior Research Group, we are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher. The position is initially offered for 2 years, with the possibility of extension, located in Konstanz. The expected starting date is summer 2026, latest by August 1, 2026. Postdoctoral position (m/f/d) 100% – “The social dynamics of collective dispersal.”

Project and group

The Genes and Behavior research group is headed by Dr. Serena Ding. We study how and why nematodes behave collectively using genetic, behavioral, quantitative, and modeling approaches to understand collective behaviors in groups of nematodes, including the model organism C. elegans .

We recently established that towering behavior is a mechanism for collective dispersal in Caenorhabditis nematodes. We explore how social dynamics may differ in heterogeneous populations and under different environmental conditions. The project aims to understand how social mechanisms shape the behavioral and population dynamics of collective dispersal in heterogeneous populations. Research will involve designing, executing, and analyzing experiments; potential angles include cooperation and altruism, competition and social cheating, and communication and coordination. The project will be primarily laboratory-based and may include field work in Landkreis Konstanz. Project specifics will be tailored to the candidate’s skills and ideas.

Responsibilities

Research design, execution, and analysis to address questions about social mechanisms in collective dispersal. Collaborate in an interdisciplinary, international team and contribute to the interpretation of results. Potentially integrate laboratory work with field-based components in Konstanz region.

Qualifications

Essential

• PhD in ecology and evolution, animal behavior, collective behavior, or a related field
• Fundamental interest in biological phenomena and an open-minded approach to questions
• Literature awareness and conceptual strength
• Willingness and ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a scientifically and culturally diverse team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

Desirable

• Creativity and breadth with experimental approaches
• Prior experience with imaging-based behavioral analysis, sequencing-based genetic analysis, and with invertebrate study systems will be a plus, but is not necessary.

Offer and conditions

We offer an interesting job in an open-minded team, a responsible and varied workplace in a growing interdisciplinary and international research institute. The payment follows your experience and qualifications and the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD-Bund). The Max Planck Society strives to employ more severely disabled people and explicitly welcomes applications from severely disabled persons. The Society is committed to gender and diversity equality and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

Application process

Application deadline: May 5, 2026 .

Please submit the following documents via our application management system:

• a motivation letter, including a brief outline of your proposed approach to this project
• a CV
• contact details for two referees

Questions about this position can be answered by Dr. Serena Ding at