Postdoc (m/f/d) | Neural information flow

 The Max-Planck-Institute for Neurobiology of Behaviour – caesar (MPINB) is a neuroethology institute located in Bonn that studies how the collective activity of the vast numbers of interconnected neurons in the brain gives rise to the plethora of animal behaviors. Our research spans a large range of scales from the nano-scale imaging of brain circuitry, to large-scale functional imaging of brain circuitry during behavior, to the quantification of natural animal behaviors.

The Research Group „Neural Information Flow“ investigates signal compression, attention and context-dependency in neural systems. To do this we concentrate on the foraging behavior of the roundworm C. elegans. To support our research we are looking for a postdoc (m/f/d) - neural information flow.

The position is initially limited until 31.12.2024.

The projects

Depending on your interests, multiple projects relating to information flow in a compact and evolutionary ancient neu-ral networks are available. Broadly, projects focus on attention during multi-sensory stimulation, behavioral coordina-tion during foraging and computational models of the feeding system of C. elegans. We use a combination of be-havioral imaging, whole-brain imaging techniques and optogenetics to investigate these topics.

Some of your tasks

• Using custom microscopes to investigate the foraging behavior of C. elegans
• generating novel transgenic animals and animal maintenance as required for behavioral assays
• acquisition of whole-brain imaging data using light-sheet microscopes
• data analysis of whole-brain imaging datasets using state-of-the-art analysis, including machine-learning

Your qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Physics, Biophysics, Engineering or a related subject
• Experience with microscopy and optics and an interest in animal behavior
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, MatLab, C++)
• Knowledge of the German language is not a requirement.

What we offer

• cutting-egde research environment with state-of-the-art imaging and behavior tools
• Pleasant working atmosphere and a multidisciplinary, international team
• Salary in line with the German public tariff (TVöD)
• Employee benefits, a family-friendly culture, and flexible working hours

The MPNB is committed to diversity and inclusion and is aiming to increase the percentage of women in areas where they are under-represented. We therefore explicitly encourage women to apply. Handicapped persons with comparable qualifications receive preferential status.

How to apply

Please submit your application with a cover letter specifying your interests at our job portal or send an email to monika.scholz@mpinb.mpg.de for informal inquiries.

Postdoctoral position (f/m/d) | ATLAS-ITk

 The Max-Planck-Institute for Physics is engaged in fundamental research in particle and astroparticle physics from both experimental and theoretical perspectives. One main research activity is the participation in the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.

We invite applications for One postdoctoral position (f/m/d) in experimental particle physics within our ATLAS Inner Detector Group. The hardware activities of the group focus on the production of silicon pixel modules for the new ATLAS Inner Tracker (ITk), to operate during the high luminosity phase of the LHC. The data analysis program pursued concentrates on high-precision measurements of the top-quark mass and their combination.

The successful candidate is expected to lead the group performing the pixel module assembly and test at the MPP. The work performed together with technicians consists of gluing a flexible PCB to a bare module composed of a silicon pixel-sensor and four read-out chips, ultrasonic wire-bonding and characterization of the mechanical and electrical performance of the module. In addition, but at a lower level, we encourage participation in physics analyses activities.

We are seeking an outstanding candidate holding a PhD in experimental particle physics. We expect experience in silicon tracking detectors, preferably within the ITk, good communication skills, capability to effectively coordinate a team, assured reporting and willingness for business travel in accordance with the needs of our research.

Salary and benefits are according to the German public service pay scale (TVöD Bund). The contract is initially limited to three years and can be extended in accordance with German law and available funding.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

For questions concerning the position offered, please contact PD Dr. Richard Nisius (nisius@mpp.mpg.de). Interested scientists should send their application until January 20, 2023, exclusively via our online application portal. Applications should include a motivation letter, curriculum vitae with university certificates, statement of research interests and list of publications. Applicants should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be received by the same date. We are looking forward to your online application.

Max Planck Institute for Physics
(Werner Heisenberg Institute) 
Human Resources
Föhringer Ring 6
80805 Munich
Germany

The Max Planck Institute for Physics collects and stores personal data.

Two Postdoctoral Fellows (m/f/d) | Environmental Knowledge in Times of Crisis

 The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG), Berlin, Department II: Knowledge Systems and Collective Life, directed by Dr. Etienne Benson, seeks 2 Postdoctoral Fellows (m/f/d) in connection with the research theme, “Environmental Knowledge in Times of Crisis” (Starting date between May 1, 2023, and September 1, 2023).

The MPIWG is a world-leading research institute for the history of science and related fields of study. Department II focuses on the relationship between knowledge systems and collective life. Researchers in the department use historical and ethnographic methods to explore the relationship between these overlapping domains in the past and present. More information about the department and its research themes can be found at: 

Duties

The successful candidates will conduct research in a field related to the theme “Environmental Knowledge in Times of Crisis,” assist in the organization of working and/or reading groups, and participate in the departmental colloquium and other departmental events.

Your profile

The successful candidates will hold a PhD in history of science and technology, science and technology studies, history, anthropology, environmental humanities, or a neighboring field in the humanities and social sciences. We are particularly interested in scholars working on environmental justice, community-engaged research methods, and relationships between science and other ways of knowing, including Indigenous knowledge systems, either in the past or the present. Fluent spoken and written English is expected.

Our offer

The position will be for a duration of two years, on a full-time contractual basis. Remuneration is based on the TVöD-Bund pay scales (E13). The successful candidate will have access to a travel fund as well as to the library and other institute resources.  The workplace is Berlin, Germany. The working language of the department is English.

The Max Planck Society (MPG) is an equal opportunity employer that strives to foster an inclusive workplace. As an institute of the MPG, we support a working community for all free from discrimination and harassment. We explicitly encourage applications from qualified individuals who belong to groups that are often underrepresented in the workplace due to age, disability, ethnicity, family status, gender, nationality, race, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic background or religion.

Visit these webpages to learn more about the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) and its policies toward gender equality and hiring practices for persons with disabilities as well as Germany’s anti-discrimination laws as outlined in the General Equal Treatment Act: 

Gender equality

Disabilities

General Equal Treatment Act

Candidates are requested to submit (as pdf files):

• a cover letter
• curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
• a research proposal on a topic related to the research themes of the department (1000 words maximum)
• writing sample of no more than 30 pages
• contact information of three scholars who could submit letters of recommendation if requested

Please submit your application in English by January 16, 2023 (23:59 CET) via our application portal.

Please note that only complete electronic submissions uploaded to this link will be accepted. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. For questions concerning the position and the Institute, please contact Dr. Kerstin Hinrichsen bensonoffice@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de.

Max Planck Institute for the History of Science
Boltzmannstraße 22
14195 Berlin
Germany

Post-Doc Positions (m/f/d) BIOSFER - Untangling the Social and Biological Determinants of Fertility in Modern Societies

 

BIOSFER – “Untangling the Social and Biological Determinants of Fertility in Modern Societies” – is a major new research initiative funded by the ERC Synergy grant program that brings together scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR), the Center for Fertility and Health at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, and Aarhus University in Denmark. BIOSFER investigates how social, biological and psychological forces produce the emerging fertility patterns in young adults, and to what extent the polarization of fertility outcomes across social strata can be attributed to social and biomedical factors. Key questions include how fecundity clusters across social strata, whether this clustering can help to explain socially patterned fertility outcomes, and how knowledge of fecundity and fertility behavior are related.  

The MPIDR is currently seeking to appoint two or more full-time post-doctoral researchers to contribute to BIOSFER’s research agenda. The successful candidate will work on one or more of the key research arms of BIOSFER. These include understanding how fecundity, fertility ideals, and fertility behavior co-evolve over the life course; how intergenerational exposures may program fertility; the joint dynamics of fecundity, fertility, and partnership formation; and how knowledge about fecundity and age-related fecundity decline influence fertility behavior.

BIOSFER builds heavily on the two richest population-based longitudinal pregnancy and pubertal cohort surveys in the world: The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC). These surveys include more than 200,000 young adults followed from fetal life onwards. Scientists in BIOSFER have exciting opportunities to use the data as well as shape the data collection. The data sets include extensive information on social and biological measures, and the data collection is enriched by randomized controlled trials focusing on the interrelation between fecundity knowledge and fertility behavior.

Your profile

We welcome applications from researchers with a PhD in demography, statistics, epidemiology, sociology, economics, psychology, or other relevant fields. The successful candidate will develop their own research questions within BIOSFER, and they will contribute their skills and knowledge to projects more broadly within BIOSFER. Collaboration within the MPIDR-based BIOSFER team led by PI Mikko Myrskylä is expected, as well as collaboration with teams led by the Oslo-based PI Siri Eldevik Håberg and Aarhus-based PI Cecilia Ramlau-Hansen. Research stays at the Oslo and Aarhus partner sites are encouraged.

Our offer

We provide a stimulating research-oriented community, an excellent infrastructure, and opportunities to work with exciting datasets. The successful applicant will be offered a contract for up to 4 years with remuneration commensurate to experience (starting from approx. 57,000 EUR gross per year for researchers who have just completed their PhD, up to approx. 71,000 EUR gross per year for more senior scientists), based on the salary structure of the German public sector (Öffentlicher Dienst, TVöD Bund).

The currently advertised positions are located at the MPIDR. It is expected that successful applicants will be in residence at the MPIDR in Rostock, Germany, and support for relocation costs is available.

The MPIDR is one of the leading demographic research centers in the world. It is part of the Max Planck Society, a network of 86 institutes that form Germany’s premier basic-research organization. Max Planck Institutes have an established record of world-class, foundational research in the sciences, technology, social sciences and the humanities. They offer a unique environment that combines the best aspects of an academic setting and a research laboratory.

The Max Planck Society offers a broad range of measures to support the reconciliation of work and family. These are complemented by the MPIDR’s own initiatives. For more information, see  Reconciliation of work and family. In addition, there are a range of central initiatives and measures primarily geared towards helping young female researchers and mothers to advance their career. See Career Development for some examples.

We value diversity and are keen to employ individuals from minorities and under-represented groups. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Your application

Please apply online via our application portal and include in a single PDF file:

1. Letter of interest (max. 2 pages)
2. Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages, focusing on your most relevant achievements)
3. A writing example (e.g., one of your publications)
4. Contact information for up to 2 academic referees

In order to receive full consideration, please apply by January 10, 2023. Interviews are planned for January 23 to February 10. The exact starting date is flexible. Applicants should have completed their doctoral degree; however, candidates graduating in 2023 can apply.  

For general inquiries about the position, the BIOSFER project, and the MPIDR, please contact Mikko Myrskylä.

Postdoc / project engineer (m/f/d)

 At the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, one of the 86 institutes of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science, physicists, chemists and biologists create knowledge of long-term relevance to life and basic medical sciences. Currently, our around 270 employees are divided into four departments and one Max Planck Research Group. In addition, the institute is part of the Heidelberg Mannheim Health & Life Science Alliance - an association of the leading life science research institutions in the region.

The Max Planck Institute for Medical Research is seeking a Postdoc/ project engineer for the Department of Cellular Biophysics.

Description

Recently, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research have developed a novel coating method that mimics nanometer-scaled moth eye structure for anti-reflection applications. To date, conventional mass-production of such structures was complex and expensive. In contrast, our nano.AR method has the potential to be more easily extended to produce larger, commercially more interesting volumes. Our workgroup thus investigates the possibilities to extend the application of the nano.AR technology into various optical and technological fields. In this context, we are seeking a Postdoc/ project engineer for a temporary project.

Your role

Responsibilities will include:

• Develop new process for different optical materials (CaF2, Sapphire, BK glass)
• Cooperate with industry partners (Laser, imaging camera, display)
• Prepare patent application files
• Experiment design
• Experimental data acquisition

Your profile

• A bachelor/master/PhD degree in physics/chemistry/material science
• Good experimental skills in optical lab
• Interest in developing new technology for applications
• Good knowledge of antireflection/imaging/display technology
• Good scientific background and the ability to understand researchers’ goals
• Team-player attitude
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English

Our offer

The position will be located in the Stuttgart site of our institute as part of the Department of Cellular Biophysics.

Salaries and contract will be based on qualifications and previous professional experience according to the Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD Bund) guidelines. The position is limited to 1,5 year.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

A daycare center for children is located near the institute.

For further information, please contact Dr. Zhaolu Diao (zhaolu.diao@mr.mpg.de)

For general questions, please contact Mrs. Julia Gauglitz (julia.gauglitz@mr.mpg.de) or Ms. Sabrina Giacalone (sabrina.giacalone@mr.mpg.de) from human resources.

Your application

To apply, please prepare a cover letter and your CV in English and send both documents with your degree certificates as one PDF file with the code numer 16/2022 to jobs@mr.mpg.de. The application deadline is January 15, 2023.

Max Planck Institute for Medical Research
c/o Human Resources
Post Box 10 38 20
69028 Heidelberg
Germany

E-Mail: jobs@mr.mpg.de

PhD Students (f/m/d) | Genome Science

 The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Genome Science is looking for PhD Students (f/m/d).

The IMPRS for Genome Science is a graduate program established as a cooperation between the University of Göttingen and several other research institutions at the Göttingen Campus, including the Max Planck Institutes. Our research school aims at qualifying young scientists at the interface between experimental and theoretical disciplines in genome science. The students will be able to work in different fields of research, including experimental disciplines like genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and bioimaging as well as theoretical disciplines such as stochastics, bioinformatics, theoretical physics, and computational biology. Positions offered are to pursue PhD projects in the areas of the life and computational sciences or related fields.

Requirements

Candidates typically hold an outstanding Master's (or equivalent) degree in the experimental life sciences (wet lab) or computational/mathematical/biophysical sciences, and have an interest in interdisciplinary projects. Criteria for admission include academic skills and experience, motivation and commitment, communication skills, knowledge of the English language, and creativity.

Application Process

Applications can only be submitted online until February 10, 2023 via this website imprs-gs.uni-goettingen.de

Applicants have to up-load pdf-files of their CV and academic records. They will be asked to provide contact information from two referees familiar with the work of the applicant.

Contact:

International Max Planck Research School for Genome Science
Dr. Johannes Söding (Spokesperson)
Dr. Henriette Irmer (Coordinator)
Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
Am Fassberg 11
37077 Göttingen
Germany

Phone: +49 551 201-2821

For further information about the program please visit imprs-gs.uni-goettingen.de or : imprs_gs

Informal enquires may be sent to imprs-gs@mpinat.mpg.de.

The Max Planck Society, the University of Göttingen and the University Medical Center are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in their workforce and therefore encourage applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society, the University of Göttingen and the University Medical Center strives for gender and diversity equality. Applications from all backgrounds are welcome.

PhD Student (f/m/d) | Neuroscience with focus on mouse behavior

 

The Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences is a leading international research institute of exceptional scientific breadth. With more than 40 research groups and some 1,000 employees from over 50 nations, it is the largest institute of the Max Planck Society.

Clinical Neuroscience (Prof. Dr. Dr. Hannelore Ehrenreich) at the City-Campus invites applications for a position as

PhD Student (f/m/d)
in neuroscience with focus on mouse behavior

Qualified candidates with a commitment to basic and interdisciplinary neurobehavioral and neurocognitive research and the motivation to focus on mouse behavior are invited to apply. The PhD position provides all potential facets necessary for comprehensive education and building a successful scientific career. It offers integration into a devoted and well-trained team of behavioral scientists, including an excellent technician, highly experienced in the field of mouse behavior and cognition.

Applicants should have a strong interest in promoting their own scientific career in mouse behavior and translational/clinical neuroscience. We are seeking highly enthusiastic, ambitious individuals, who enjoy working in a multidisciplinary, international research team and are ready not only to contribute to performing high-level study design but also to respective applications to/interactions with the local animal care and use committee.

Specifically, the applicant would work on novel genetic mouse models with focus on higher cognitive functions and novel treatment strategies including development of new test paradigms for disease-relevant cognitive phenotypes.

Essential qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, neuroscience, medicine or related fields
• Fluency in English
• Motivation to work with mice
• Reliability and independent working

Beneficial qualifications

• Experience with neurobehavioral and neurocognitive research
• Fluency in German
• Completed course for animal handling (FELASA or equivalent)
• Experience with Python and/or R

What we offer

• Interesting and varied work in an interdisciplinary environment
• A wide range of offers to help you balance work and family life: on-campus kindergarten places including vacation care, parent-child offices, etc.
• Further training opportunities and language courses
• Health management: free fitness and yoga room, sports groups, course offerings for a "moving break"
• Initiatives for sustainability and a green environment with a new biotope

Position details

The position should be filled as soon as possible. Payment and benefits are based on the German public service pay scale (TVöD Bund) guidelines. PhD students will have the opportunity to participate in one of several available PhD programs, with three years funding, in collaboration with the University of Göttingen.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Please submit your application including cover letter (explaining background and motivation), CV, transcripts, list of publications, and the contact details of at least two academic referees preferably by e-mail as a single PDF file to ausschreibung74-22@mpinat.mpg.de.

Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
Clinical Neuroscience
Prof. Dr. Dr. Hannelore Ehrenreich
Hermann-Rein-Str. 3
37075 Göttingen
Germany

Tel:  +49 551 389-9615
Fax: +49 551 389-9670

PhD student (f/m/d) | Imaging oogenesis live by light sheet microscopy

 

The Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences is a leading international research institute of exceptional scientific breadth. With more than 40 research groups and some 1,000 employees from over 50 nations, it is the largest institute of the Max Planck Society.

The research group of Cytoskeletal Dynamics in Oocytes (Dr. Peter Lenart) is inviting applications for a

PhD student (f/m/d)
Imaging oogenesis live by light sheet microscopy

The Lenart lab is interested in the evolutionarily conserved mechanism of oocyte development, the process essential to produce the fertilizable egg. As experimental systems, we use diverse marine model species that are exceptionally suited for live cell microscopy due to their transparency, rapid development and easy handling. For example, our work in starfish oocytes revealed previously completely unanticipated functions of the actin cytoskeleton in mediating the breakdown of the nuclear envelope (eLife 2020), and chromosome capture (JCB, 2018). By studying starfish oocytes, we also gained key insights into how centrioles are eliminated during oogenesis (JCB, 2016), and how cortical dynamics supports the extremely asymmetric meiotic divisions (Nat. Comm. 2017).

The agencies DFG and ANR recently awarded funding to our collaborative project with Evelyn Houliston (Institute de la Mer, Villefranche-sur-Mer) and Jan Huisken (University of Göttingen). The overall aim of the project is to gain insights into so-far poorly understood early steps of oogenesis and oocyte growth. For this, we will take advantage of Clytia hemisphaerica, a jellyfish model species established by Evelyn Houliston’s laboratory. In Clytia, oocyte growth and maturation is completed in less than 24h within the isolated and fully transparent ovary. Custom light sheet microscopes developed jointly with the Huisken lab will allow us to fully exploit the unique advantage provided by Clytia ovaries. Combined with the array of molecular and genetic tools already established in Clytia, this will enable us to follow in real time and within the intact ovary how the oocyte grows, and how its polarized organization is established during this growth process.

Your profile

The successful candidate has a keen interest and initial experience in basic research in the areas of molecular cell and developmental biology and/or microscopy or related fields, and a strong interest to learn and apply a wide range of microscopy and imaging related techniques. Eligible candidates hold (or expect to complete soon) a Master’s or equivalent degree in these areas or a related field.

What we offer

• An open, welcoming, friendly, international, collaborative environment.
• Inspiring, world-class, competitive research.
• Further training and career development opportunities; free in-house language courses.
• Free fitness and yoga room, sports groups, and a beach volleyball league.
• Help to balance work and family including on-campus kindergarten and parent-child offices.
• Initiatives for sustainability and a green environment with an on-site biotope.

About us

Based at one of Germany’s premier research campuses, our department has access to leading-edge infrastructure in all areas of cell and molecular biology as well as cutting-edge microscopy. We are an international team and our working language is English; knowledge of German is not required. The historic city of Göttingen, located in the centre of Germany, offers great outdoors and cultural opportunities, a vibrant student scene, and an impressive scientific heritage.

Position details

PhD students will be funded for three years (with a possibility of extension) and have the opportunity to enrol in one of several PhD programs in collaboration with the University of Göttingen. Payment and benefits are based on the German Public Service Payscale (TVöD Bund) guidelines. While the starting date is flexible, ideally the candidate would join our team starting from March 1, 2023.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Interested candidates should submit their application including cover letter (explaining background and motivation), CV, transcripts, publication list, and the contact details of at least 2 academic referees preferably via e-mail as a single PDF file to ausschreibung75-22@mpinat.mpg.de.

Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
Research group “Cytoskeletal dynamics in oocytes”
Dr. Peter Lenart
Am Faßberg 11
37077 Göttingen
Germany

Postdoc Position (m/f/d) | Max Planck-University of Helsinki Centre for Social Inequalities in Population Health

 The Max Planck - University of Helsinki Center for Social Inequalities in Population Health is a new major joint initiative of the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR), Germany, and the University of Helsinki, Finland. To achieve the Center’s vision of unearthing the pivotal social processes that generate health inequalities, it leverages linked family-based data, natural experimental designs, genetically-informed social epidemiological data, advanced dynamic modelling techniques, and a combination of theoretical frameworks.

Your profile

The Center is currently seeking to appoint one or more full-time post-doctoral researchers to contribute to its research theme on methodological innovation. We welcome applications from researchers with a PhD in demography, statistics, epidemiology, sociology, economics, computer science, or a similar field. The successful candidate will work on one or several of the research strands within the Center’s research theme on methods: longitudinal data analysis, causal inference, and machine learning approaches. More specific topics include, but are not limited to, multistate models, Mendelian randomization, and supervised learning to assess effect heterogeneity. The successful candidate will develop their own methodological agenda within the research theme, and they will contribute their skills and knowledge to applications in the Center’s other research themes. We are seeking creative, self-driven, and collaborative scholars. Knowledge of advanced programming in R, Python, or Stata is an advantage.

Our offer

We provide a stimulating research-oriented community, an excellent infrastructure, and opportunities to work with exciting datasets. The successful applicant will be offered a contract for up to 4 years with remuneration commensurate to experience (starting from approx. 57,000 EUR gross per year for researchers who have just completed their PhD, up to approx. 71,000 EUR gross per year for more senior scientists), based on the salary structure of the German public sector (Öffentlicher Dienst, TVöD Bund).

The currently advertised positions are located at the MPIDR. It is expected that successful applicants will be in residence at the MPIDR in Rostock, Germany, and support for relocation costs is available. There are opportunities to visit the Helsinki partner site to make use of the unique data structure that is critical to the research agenda of the Center. This data covers all Finnish individuals nested in areas, families and households for over five decades with detailed information of sociodemographic characteristics and health from population registers, and genetic information for a sub-set from epidemiological surveys. Use of the data is possible both from Rostock and Helsinki, and scientists working for the Center have access also to other key international datasets for health inequality research.

The MPIDR is one of the leading demographic research centers in the world. It is part of the Max Planck Society, a network of 86 institutes that form Germany’s premier basic-research organization. Max Planck Institutes have an established record of world-class, foundational research in the sciences, technology, social sciences and the humanities. They offer a unique environment that combines the best aspects of an academic setting and a research laboratory.

The Max Planck Society offers a broad range of measures to support the reconciliation of work and family. These are complemented by the MPIDR’s own initiatives. For more information, see Reconciliation of work and family.

In addition, there are a range of central initiatives and measures primarily geared towards helping young female researchers and mothers to advance their career. See Career Development for some examples. We value diversity and are keen to employ individuals from minorities and under-represented groups.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Your application

Please apply online via our application portal and include in a single PDF file:

1. Letter of interest (max. 2 pages)
2. Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages, focusing on your most relevant achievements)
3. A writing example (e.g., one of your publications)
4. Contact information for up to 2 academic referees

In order to receive full consideration, please apply by January 10. Interviews are planned for January 23 to February 10. The exact starting date is flexible. Applicants should have completed their doctoral degree; however, candidates graduating in 2023 can apply.

For general inquiries about the position, the Center, and the research theme on methods and the topics it covers please contact Christian Dudel.

Postdoc / Research Scientist Positions (m/f/d) | Population health, labor demography, fertility and well-being

 The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) is seeking to appoint 2-3 full-time post-doctoral researchers to join the Laboratory of Population Health, the Research Group on Labor Demography, or the Laboratory of Fertility and Well-Being.

Your profile

We welcome applications from researchers working in fertility or family demography, economic and labor demography, or population health. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to develop their own research agenda, collaborate throughout and beyond the MPIDR, and supervise PhD students. We also encourage collaboration with two new major research initiatives, the Max Planck – University of Helsinki Center for Social Inequalities in Population Health; and the ERC Synergy project BIOSFER – Untangling the Social and Biological Determinants of Fertility.

We are seeking creative, self-driven, collaborative scholars with strong communication skills. Your PhD can be in any area that provided you with the necessary skills for high-quality demographic research; recent recruits have had PhDs in Demography, Sociology, Economics, Epidemiology, Statistics and Anthropology. Strong quantitative analysis skills are expected. Fit with the research agenda of the Population Health, Labor Demography, or Fertility teams is one criterion that will be evaluated.

We provide a stimulating research-oriented community, an excellent infrastructure, and opportunities to work with exciting datasets, including linked survey-register data that combine demographic, behavioral, and genetic information. The successful applicant will be offered a contract for up to 4 years with remuneration commensurate to experience (starting from approx. 57,00 EUR gross per year for researchers who have just completed their PhD, up to approx. 71,000 EUR gross per year for more senior scientists), based on the salary structure of the German public sector (Öffentlicher Dienst, TVöD Bund). An extension after positive evaluation is possible. It is expected that successful applicants will be in residence at the MPIDR. Support for relocation costs is available.

Our offer

The MPIDR is one of the leading demographic research centers in the world. It is part of the Max Planck Society, a network of 86 institutes that form Germany’s premier basic-research organization. Max Planck Institutes have an established record of world-class, foundational research in the sciences, technology, social sciences and the humanities. They offer a unique environment that combines the best aspects of an academic setting and a research laboratory.

The Max Planck Society offers a broad range of measures to support the reconciliation of work and family. These are complemented by the MPIDR’s own initiatives. For more information, see Reconciliation of work and family.

In addition, there are a range of central initiatives and measures primarily geared towards helping young female researchers and mothers to advance their career. See Career Development for some examples.

Our Institute values diversity and is keen to employ individuals from minorities and under-represented groups.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Your application

Please apply online via our application platform and include in a single PDF file:

1. Letter of interest (max. 2 page)
2. Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages, focusing on your most relevant achievements)
3. A writing example (e.g., one of your publications or working paper)
4. Contact information for up to 2 academic referees

In order to receive full consideration, please apply by January 10, 2023. The first round of interviews is between January 23 and February 10, 2023. We expect candidates to start in 2023 but the exact starting date is flexible. Applicants should have completed their doctoral degree; however, PhD students who expect to obtain their degree in 2023 may apply. For inquiries about the positions, please contact Mikko Myrskylä.

Two Postdoctoral Research Fellows (m/f/d)

 The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity is dedicated to the multidisciplinary study of diversity in historical and modern societies, especially with regard to ethnic, religious, political, and legal processes and dynamics. This work includes basic empirical research, with the goal of advancing theoretical concepts.

The Department of Sociocultural Diversity is seeking to appoint two Postdoctoral Research Fellows (m/f/d).

These positions will be full-time for two years with a starting date of 1 June 2023. Successful applicants will work as core fieldworkers undertaking qualitative/ethnographic research as part of a team relating to the project Climate Displacement and Diversification: Changing Patterns of Migration and Peri-urban Settlement.

Climate change is already triggering and changing processes of displacement in many places around the world. As temperatures rise and various landscapes become increasingly uninhabitable, existing migration trends will be greatly exacerbated and lead to large-scale movements to, and processes of ethnic, linguistic, religious, age and gender diversification within, already highly diverse peri-urban areas that are also subjected to challenges of climate change. Further, such future displacements and diversifications will likely produce new, complex patterns of translocalism, temporality, environmental stress, conflict and cooperation. Based on comparisons in Ghana and South Africa, this project examines how existing strategies and trajectories of in-country and international migrants might relate to future patterns of climate-related displacement and settlement. The project is being developed jointly by the Max Planck Institute, the University of Oxford, the University of Ghana and the University of the Witwatersrand.

The appointed Postdoctoral Research Fellows will have the opportunity to help shape the research design and operationalization of the project, to undertake first-hand research, to analyze data, and to write-up results together with senior scholars at the partner institutions.

Requirements

Applicants should have a PhD in Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, Geography, or have a related interdisciplinary profile. Their research experience and publications should be relevant to the research interests of the project. Applicants expecting a PhD need to be able to confirm (by a statement from their supervisor) that their PhD-thesis will be submitted and final examination will have taken place by 1 March 2023.

Good spoken and written English is required. The working language of the Institute is English. Competence in other African languages will be an advantage.

Apart from extended periods of fieldwork in Africa, regular presence at the Institute is required and researchers need to reside within commuter distance of Göttingen. Researchers will have the opportunity to spend designated periods of work at the University of Oxford and throughout fieldwork periods will be associated with the University of Ghana and the University of the Witwatersrand.

Position details

The contract will be for a full-time position and for a period of two years ending 31 May 2025. Salary is based on the German collective agreement for civil servants (TVöD Bund), level E 13.

The Max Planck Society is mainly funded by German Federal and State Governments. Max Planck Institutes provide outstanding facilities, academic resources and intellectual environments for the support of independent research. Max Planck Institutes are not tied to universities. There are no teaching obligations for staff, but teaching and other forms of co-operation with universities is possible.

The Max Planck Society wishes to increase the participation of women across the sciences. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome, as are applications from people of diverse gender or sexual orientations.

Following its commitment to equal opportunities employment policies, the Max Planck Society especially encourages applications from persons with a disability. Persons of any nationality can apply. Especially for these current positions, the Institute encourages applications by scholars from African countries.

Applications should include: a cover letter describing the applicant’s career trajectory and interests, CV including list of publications; a short outline of your research interests relating to project themes listed above (max. 500 words); and the names and contact details of three potential referees.

Deadline for all applications is Friday 3 February 2023.

Please send and questions as well as applications to: Bewerbung_SCD@mmg.mpg.de.

Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity
Hermann-Föge-Weg 11
37073 Göttingen
Germany