MPI EVA is offering a PhD position working on tool use in wild chimpanzees. In addition the PhD candidate will be responsible for the management of the Taï Chimpanzee Project (50% of working time). The position will start on December 1, 2020, (or a.s.a.p. afterwards) and will require to stay several years at the Taï Chimpanzee Project, Côte d’Ivoire.

 

Their general interest is to understand the cognition (action planning) and behavioural diversity of tool use in wild chimpanzees. They are looking across several neighbouring communities of chimpanzees in Tai National Park.

 

MSc (or comparable degree) in Biology, Evolutionary Anthropology or Evolutionary Psychology. Good knowledge in evolutionary biology, animal behaviour, ecology and social cognition are crucial for a successful application, as well as extensive experience in managing a field site. Previous observations and detailed behavioural data collection on wild mammals are of advantage. The PhD candidate will need to work independently in a remote and physically demanding tropical forest habitat. Good social skills are important to work and live amongst a group of international colleagues and local staff with different cultural backgrounds. Resilience to psychological and physical stress is conditional.

 

The successful candidate is fluent in French and English and has some management experience. Previous experience with field work will be beneficial to the application.

 

The PhD candidate will be supported by a MPI EVA contract of employment for doctoral students. After collecting data at the field-site, the successful candidate will write a research proposal to apply for grant money.

 

Starting December 2020, or as soon as possible afterwards, the successful applicant will be located for at least two years in the Tai National Park (2021 and 2022). Tenure of the position is three years (+ one possible year extension).

 

Applications include a cover letter stating research interest and experience, field experience and experience of managing field sites, a detailed curriculum vitae, a short research proposal in the realm of chimpanzee sociality and the names and e-mail addresses of three referees. The application documents should be sent electronically to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The evaluation of applications will start on October 10, 2020, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

 

Interviews will be held by the end of October 2020.

 

Dr. Roman Wittig

MPI EVA, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany

+49 341 3550 204