PhD positions (m/f/d) | Ape and Human Evolution

Job Code: FT-07-2023

Job Offer from March 21, 2023

The aim of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVA) in Leipzig/Germany is to investigate the evolutionary history of humankind with the help of comparative analyses of genes, morphology, cultures, cognitive abilities, languages and social systems of past and present human populations as well as those of primates closely related to human beings. The collaboration of the various departments – representing the natural, social, and human sciences – at one institute leads to new insights into history, variety, and abilities of the human species. The institute unites scientists with various research interests who are concerned with human evolution seen also from an interdisciplinary perspective. Great attention is paid to cooperation between the departments in the institute.

The focus of the new department of Human Origins (Director: Dr. Tracy Kivell) is on early hominin and ape evolution and the reconstruction of behavior in the past using high-resolution imaging, experimental biomechanics and archaeology, and the study of living primates (including humans).

The department is currently seeking qualified applicants (m/f/d) for PhD positions on topics related to ape and human evolution.

We are looking for internationally trained, enthusiastic applicants with a strong motivation to pursue a Ph.D., be fluent in written and spoken English (which is the working-language of the institute), an excellent academic performance and a completed Master`s degree (including M.Sc. thesis) in biological anthropology, archaeology, ecology and evolution, biology, neurobiology, ethology, or a related topic.

Applicants should have previous experience in the following topics and/or methods who are specifically interested in:

• Postcranial functional morphology from internal bone structure (i.e. using microCT data).
• Brain or cranial evolution.
• Field-based research on wild primate behavior, particularly locomotion, manipulation and/or tool diversity.
• The origins of tool production: empirical, experimental and/or collections-based approaches to the production of the earliest stone tools.

• 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. They allow 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 hosting department.
• Selected Ph.D. students would ideally start at the beginning of September 2023 (and a Master’s degree must be completed by this date).
• The candidates will be enrolled within the International Max Planck Research School “The Leipzig School of Human Origins ” (IMPRS-LSHO).

Interested applicants should apply only via our online recruiting system .

For questions (no applications), please write to Dr. Tracy Kivell, Director of Dept. of Human Origins at [email protected]

Applications should include:

• Cover letter (max. 2 pages), outlining your previous research experience, your specific area(s) of research interest, and ideas for a PhD 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 April 30th, 2023.

The Department of Human Origins is committed to creating a diverse, equal, and inclusive work environment. The Max Planck Society is committed to equal opportunities and to employing individuals with disabilities and explicitly encourages them to apply. Additionally, the Max Planck Society wishes to increase the proportion of women in areas in which they are underrepresented; women are explicitly encouraged to apply. Finally, we wish to encourage researchers from other underrepresented groups and/or countries to apply.