PhD position (TV-L E13, 50% – 65% – for three years)

Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsbiologie

Topic: Non-human primate vocal communication and cognition

At the Friedrich – Alexander – University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department Biology, Division for DevelopmentalBiology, we are currently looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate workingon forest guenon vocal communication and cognitive underpinnings in a tropical rainforest habitat. Afterinitial training, the project will require a total of approximately 12 – 14 months of fieldwork, split into 2 –3 periods. In between periods of data collection in the field, training, supervision, and writing will takeplace at the FAU in Erlangen, Germany.

Notwendige Qualifikationen:

The successful candidate will hold a MSc degree in a relevant field (biology, comparative psychology, anthropologyor similar), will have a strong interest in animal behaviour and cognition, and possesses advancedscientific writing and data analysis skills including RStudio. Fluency in English and at least basicspoken skills in French are crucial for a successful application. Previous field experience, preferably inAfrica, and team management experience are an asset.During the data collection period the PhD candidate will work under remote conditions in a natural, tropicalrainforest habitat with only very limited access to electricity and internet. Daily data collection will requirewalking several kilometres with recording equipment. Parallel to data collection, data processing and preliminarydata analyses will be required in the field. Resilience to psychological and physical challenges,and the capacity to organise and to work independently, are crucial. Good social skills are required to workand to live with international students and local staff with different cultural backgrounds. Between periodsin the field, the PhD candidate will receive further training in acoustic and statistical analyses as well as inscientific writing under supervision at the FAU in Erlangen.The candidate might also be involved in teaching, like the supervision of students in the BSc & MSc degreecourses.

Befristetes Forschungsvorhaben

Salary will be within the german TV-L E13 (50% - 65%, dependent on experience) for the duration of 3years, including a budget for initial travel expenses.Applicants should send a merged pdf file, consisting of a cover letter clearly stating how their experienceand interest match required qualifications, a detailed curriculum vitae as well as the name and contactinformation of two referees to If available, exemplary proof of scientific writingand/or analysis skills will be additionally relevant