Positions available

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology invites applications for the position of a

at the Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture.

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology unites scientists with various backgrounds (natural sciences and humanities) whose aim is to investigate the history of humankind from an interdisciplinary perspective with the help of comparative analyses of genes, 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 Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture investigates the role of culture in human evolution and adaptation. The primary goal is to theorize, design, and conduct longitudinal studies of human adaptation and cultural dynamics in ecological context.

Within the Department of Human Behavior, Ecology, and Culture, the Sanguatsiniq project focuses on food security, economic change, cultural practices and values, and well-being in two Inuit communities in the Canadian Arctic, Kangiqsujuaq and Ulukhaktok.

We are looking for a student to join the project team. Potential topics for the PhD research include longitudinal change in food security and/or sharing networks, the relationship between cultural practices and well-being, or the cultural psychology of stress in Inuit communities. The Sanguatsiniq project's research questions and methodologies are rooted in the research needs of the study communities, and the candidate will be expected to spend time working in one or both of the study communities, assisting with interviews focused on knowledge transmission, stress, and social networks, and/or the co-development and monitoring of community programs to enhance food security and well-being.

The position will be based in Leipzig, and the initial contract period is for 3 years, with the possibility of extension. The salary is according to the German public service pay scale (TVöD).

Requirements

Essential

• Master's degree in a relevant field, completed by the start date of the position
• Aptitude for community-engaged research and teamwork

Desirable

• Experience working with quantitative data in a research computing context
• Previous experience conducting community-based research or other community-engaged work

Applications

Please apply via the online application system (see link below). Questions (no application) regarding the position should be addressed to Elspeth Ready (elspeth_ready@[>>> Please remove the text! <<<]eva.mpg.de).

Applications should include:

1. A cover letter describing motivation and research interests for the PhD
2. A curriculum vitae with names and email addresses of three professional references
3. An example of academic work (e.g., thesis chapter, peer-reviewed article)
4. Copies of diplomas

The start date of the position is flexible. Applications will be considered until 15th of December 2023.

The Max Planck Society and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology are committed to equal opportunities, diversity as well as gender equality. The Max Planck Society is concerned to employ more disabled people as well as people from groups that are underrepresented in science and especially in the given field of activity. Therefore, we explicitly encourage them to apply. Information about the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology can be found here: https://www.eva.mpg.de.

Only complete submissions via the following link will be taken into consideration.