Advance Your Research Career at MPI-EVA: PhD and Postdoctoral Roles Open in Leipzig, Germany

Expanded Job Openings at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI-EVA)

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI-EVA), located in Leipzig, Germany, has announced a range of new job openings. MPI-EVA is renowned for its interdisciplinary research in anthropology, biology, genetics, linguistics, and cultural studies. These positions are ideal for researchers aiming to explore the evolutionary history of humans and other species. Below is a detailed summary of the current opportunities:

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1. PhD and Postdoctoral Positions at the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS)

The IMPRS at MPI-EVA is a premier research program designed for talented PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. The program offers training in evolutionary anthropology, integrating insights from genetics, cultural evolution, and behavioral sciences.

What You Will Do:

• Develop and conduct independent research projects in evolutionary anthropology.
• Collaborate with international research groups within MPI and other Max Planck Institutes.
• Present your research at international conferences and publish findings in top-tier scientific journals.
• Participate in specialized workshops, seminars, and skill development programs.

Eligibility Criteria:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in anthropology, biology, genetics, or related fields for PhD applicants.
• Postdoctoral candidates must hold a PhD and have a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative analysis and familiarity with statistical software (R, Python).
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Application Requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including research experience and publications.
• A motivation letter outlining your research interests and goals.
• Contact details of at least two academic references.

🔗 Find more details and apply here

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2. Researcher in Primate Behavior and Evolution

The Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution is focused on studying the ecological and social behavior of non-human primates. This research helps to shed light on the evolutionary roots of human behavior.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead field studies on primate populations, focusing on social behavior, foraging habits, and group dynamics.
• Conduct laboratory analysis of behavioral data, including video coding and statistical analysis.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in evolutionary biology, ecology, and anthropology.
• Prepare detailed reports and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in primatology, evolutionary biology, or a related field.
• Significant experience in fieldwork, ideally involving wild primate populations.
• Expertise in behavioral data analysis and familiarity with relevant software (e.g., BORIS for video analysis).
• Ability to work in remote and challenging field environments for extended periods.

What We Offer:

• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and long-term field study sites.
• Opportunities for career development through mentorship, workshops, and international collaborations.
• A competitive salary and benefits package in line with German public sector standards.

🔗 Apply for this position here

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3. Positions in Language and Cultural Evolution

The Department of Language and Cultural Evolution explores the origins and development of languages and cultural practices. The department is currently offering multiple positions for PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and research assistants.

Research Focus Areas:

• Linguistic Evolution: Investigating how languages change and diversify over time using computational models and historical data.
• Cultural Transmission: Studying how cultural traits and knowledge are passed down through generations and across populations.
• Computational Linguistics: Developing algorithms and software tools for analyzing large-scale linguistic datasets.

Positions Available:

• PhD Researcher: Ideal for candidates interested in historical linguistics and the use of computational methods for language analysis.
• Postdoctoral Researcher: Focuses on cultural transmission studies, requiring strong skills in statistical modeling and interdisciplinary research.
• Research Assistant: Supports data collection and analysis, involving work with extensive linguistic databases and software development.

Candidate Requirements:

• A Master’s or PhD in linguistics, anthropology, computer science, or related disciplines.
• Experience with statistical and computational analysis (e.g., R, Python, machine learning frameworks).
• Ability to work independently and in diverse research teams.

🔗 PhD Researcher Application
🔗 Postdoctoral Researcher Application
🔗 Research Assistant Application

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4. Research Position in Evolutionary Genetics

The Department of Evolutionary Genetics is renowned for its research on the genetic history of humans and their relatives, including groundbreaking studies on Neanderthal and Denisovan genomes.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Analyze next-generation sequencing data from ancient DNA samples.
• Study genetic variation and evolutionary processes in ancient and modern human populations.
• Contribute to the development of new bioinformatics tools and methodologies for ancient DNA analysis.
• Collaborate with international research teams and participate in data sharing initiatives.

Skills and Qualifications:

• A PhD in genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field with a strong focus on genomics.
• Extensive experience with next-generation sequencing data and bioinformatics pipelines.
• Proficiency in programming (Python, R) and experience with genome analysis tools (e.g., GATK, SAMtools).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage large datasets.

Benefits:

• Access to advanced computing resources and high-performance computing clusters.
• A supportive research environment with opportunities for publication and conference presentations.
• A competitive salary, health insurance, and relocation support.

🔗 Detailed job description and application

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Why Choose MPI-EVA?

MPI-EVA offers a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment that fosters scientific innovation. Researchers have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, long-term field research sites, and computational resources. The institute values diversity, inclusion, and international cooperation, providing numerous opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.

🔗 For further details on all available positions and to explore additional career opportunities, visit the MPI-EVA Careers Page.