PHD POSITION TOPIC: THE ECOLOGY OF RANGE USE BY NEIGHBORING BONOBO COMMUNITIES AT KOKOLOPORI, Democratic Republic of Congo
We are offering a PhD position working on the ecological background of common home range use between neighbouring communities in wild bonobos. The position will start on August 1, 2016, (or a.s.a.p. afterwards) and will require to stay at least a year at the Kokolopori Bonobo Research Project, DRC. Our general interest is to understand the ecological background facilitating potentially peaceful intergroup relationships. We are combining phenological data on forest composition and productivity with behavioural and endocrinological data from two neighbouring bonobo communities on feeding and ranging patterns to understand what influences the extend of home range overlap. Some data are collected the same way as at another bonobo field site, LuiKotale, to allow for site comparison. Qualification and requirements A good MSc (or comparable degree) in Biology or Evolutionary Anthropology. Good knowledge in evolutionary biology, animal behavior and ecology are crucial for a successful application. Previous experience in botanical data collection or detailed behavioural data collection on wild mammals is 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 people with different cultural backgrounds. The successful candidate is fluent in English and speaks also basic French. Previous experience with field work will be beneficial to the application. Salary / funding The PhD candidate will be supported by a MPI EVA contract/stipend of employment for doctoral students. In addition the successful candidate will write a research proposal to apply for grant money. Start and term of appointment Starting August 2016, or as soon as possible afterwards, the successful applicant will firstly visit shortly the bonobo fieldsite LuiKotale to become familiar with their data collection procedure. In 2017 the candidate will be located for around a year at the bonobo research camp in Kokolopori. Tenure of the position is three years (+ one possible year extension). Comments Applications include a cover letter stating research experience and field experience, a detailed curriculum vitae, a short research proposal in the realm of bonobo sociality and the names and e-mail addresses of three referees. The application documents should be sent electronically to surb...@eva.mpg.de. The evaluation of applications will start on June 20, 2016, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Contact information Dr. Martin Surbeck MPI EVA, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany +49 341 3550 202
