The Molecular Ecology group directed by Dr. Linda Vigilant within the Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution at MPI-EVA integrates genomic, behavioral, and life history data to study nonhuman primate evolution. Our primary focus is on the great apes, which allows us to understand the evolution of our closest living relatives and, in comparison, ourselves.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a skilled and motivated researcher with strong computational and bioinformatic skills to join our team. The successful candidate will lead large-scale population genomic analyses of various great ape species, with the goal of better understanding genetic diversity, evolutionary dynamics, and population structure.
The position is available from February 2025 or soon as possible thereafter.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement bioinformatics pipelines for population genetic analyses, including but not limited to SNP calling, allele frequency estimation, and linkage disequilibrium analysis.
• Analyze whole genome sequencing data to assess genetic variation within and between populations, reconstruct ancestry, and examine evidence for inbreeding or outbreeding depression.
• Contribute to the development of software tools and algorithms for enhanced data analysis.
• Collaborate with behavioral ecologists, biodemographers, and other evolutionary biologists to interpret results.
• Prepare and present findings at team meetings, conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications.

Desired and Required Skills:

• Ph.D. in Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, Biological Anthropology, or a related field
• M.Sc. and B.Sc. in a research-relevant discipline
• Record of research project leadership and completion
• Demonstrated expertise in bioinformatics and/or computational biology
• Proficiency in both spoken and written English

Additional Qualifications:

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with an ability to collaborate effectively on interdisciplinary projects
• A creative and innovative approach to problem-solving

• An excellent, interdisciplinary research environment and access to state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure
• Full-time position (39 h/week), initially limited to two years
• Salary based on experience according to the German TVöD
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of some remote work
• Excellent quality of life in Leipzig, including extensive green spaces, public transport options, work subsidy for the Deutschland job ticket, and support from a dedicated International Office
• Family-friendly offers (support in finding a suitable childcare, family room, flexible working hours)
• German language courses (German language skills are not required)
• The Max Planck Society offers its employees a comprehensive training program and social benefits in accordance with the regulations of the civil service

Please apply online via our online application system (link via the job ad on our career website).
Please upload your complete application documents, including

• cover letter
• CV
• the names of three relevant references.

The application deadline is December 31, 2024 for full consideration.

The Max Planck Society and the Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology are committed to employing individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply. Additionally, we seek to increase diversity of our workforce in areas where it is underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women and members of underrepresented groups to apply. Information about the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology can be found here: https://www.eva.mpg.de.