Max Planck Principal Investigators in Collective Behavior of Biological Systems

[sue_bertram]

*Job offers from Feb 2015*

The Department of Collective Behavior at the Max Planck Institute for
Ornithology seeks to appoint up to four Max Planck Principal
Investigators in the field of Collective Behavior, broadly defined.
Ideal candidates should have a research program that integrates
experimental and theoretical studies on invertebrates and/or vertebrates
- research on birds is not a requirement. Collective behavior naturally
spans scales, encompassing areas ranging from the organization and
evolution of the neural decision-making circuits that give rise to
individual behavior, to coordinated communication among cells, or
animals, to the dynamics of information exchange among sophisticated
organisms and the emergence of complex societies. Successful applicants
are expected to establish and lead an internationally recognized
research program.

*Your profile*

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in biology, biophysics, applied
mathematics, computer science or a related field. The primary criterion
for selection will be that candidates exhibit outstanding research
promise, and are conducting ambitious, interdisciplinary research.
Candidates who pursue research with a highly quantitative experimental
component are particularly encouraged to apply.

*Our offer*

Successful candidates will be offered a Max Planck Research Lab for an
initial period of 5 years, with the possibility of extension up to a
further 4 years after successful evaluation and considering labor
law-related and financial requirements. This includes a Principal
Investigator position with a salary up to level E15 based on the German
Federal Salary Scale as well as support for a research group
(consumables, travel funds, technical support staff, and where possible
support for excellent Ph.D. students/postdoctoral fellows). Principal
Investigators are also expected to apply for third party funds.

Max Planck Institutes focus on excellence in scientific research and are
supported by the Max Planck Society. Principal Investigators are
expected to become faculty of the International Max Planck Research
School of Organismal Biology, a competitive doctoral training program in
the fields of behavior, ecology, evolution, physiology and neurobiology,
which has a faculty of more than 30 leading researchers and 64 Ph.D.
international student fellows. Although the principal focus will be
leading a research group, candidates are also expected to contribute to
the innovative teaching objectives of the department. The language of
the Max Planck Institutes is English and consequently applicants must be
fluent in this language; knowledge of German is not necessary. We seek
candidates from all nationalities (the visa application process will be
supported by the Institute).

Principal Investigators will benefit from the Institute’s
interdisciplinary environment and scientific exchange with existing
research groups at the Max Planck Institute and University of Konstanz
as well as excellent infrastructure, including a guesthouse for visiting
academics, and speedboat and plane for field research. The necessary
administrative support will be provided.

*Location***

The new Department of Collective Behavior is located on the campus of
the University of Konstanz in the historic city of Konstanz, by Lake
Constance and overlooking the Alps in southern Germany. It is
approximately 50 minutes (by train or car) from Zurich International
Airport and closely affiliated with the nearby Max Planck Department of
Migration and Immuno-Ecology in Radolfzell.

*Your application*

Applications, including a CV, a description of past research activities
(2 pages) and a vision statement for the future research program (2
further pages) should be sent, in PDF format, to Iain D. Couzin
(ico...@orn.mpg.de <mailto:ico...@orn.mpg.de>), Director,with subject
line “Max Planck Principal Investigator Application”. In addition,
applicants should arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent
separately to Daniel Piechowski (dpiec...@orn.mpg
<mailto:dpiec...@orn.mpg>.de), Science Coordinator. Review of
applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are
filled.

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. All Max Planck Institutes are certified family-friendly
institutions, and we offer extensive support to help researchers balance
professional and home life, including assistance with childcare and
support of the elderly, and flexibility in how employees arrange working
hours. For details see http://www.mpg.de/equal_opportunities

For further information regarding these positions please contact Iain D.
Couzin (ico...@orn.mpg.de <mailto:ico...@orn.mpg.de>), Director.