Summary
The Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, located in Konstanz and Radolfzell, Germany, offers an international and interdisciplinary research environment. The Collective Ecology Group is seeking a highly motivated PhD student for a fully funded, four-year position focusing on “Oceanic Collective Intelligence.” This project, funded by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung Nexus Programme, will investigate social foraging and collective behavior in oceanic predator-prey systems, specifically blue whales and krill, and sperm whales and their deep-sea prey.
Designation
PhD Student (m/f/d)
Scholarship Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding | Fully funded (TVöD salary scale E-13, 65%) |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Location | Konstanz, Germany |
| Start Date | Flexible, Summer / Autumn 2027 |
| Institute | Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior |
| Group | Collective Ecology Group, Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies |
Research Area
- Oceanic Collective Intelligence
- Social Foraging and Collective Behavior in Oceanic Predator-Prey Systems (Blue Whales/Krill, Sperm Whales/Deep-sea Prey)
- Computational Approaches for Analyzing Diverse Datasets (Bio-logging, Echosounders, Seafloor Hydrophones)
Location
Konstanz, Germany
Eligibility/Qualification
- Completed M.Sc. in natural sciences (e.g., ecology and evolutionary biology, oceanography, physics, or related fields) or mathematics.
- Enthusiasm for addressing biological questions using quantitative approaches.
- High degree of independence and proactive development of research ideas.
- Desirable: Prior experience with programming (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB), scientific writing, and ecological fieldwork.
- Interest in and capacity for international, interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Enthusiasm for broader science communication.
- Working language is English; German language skills are not required.
Scholarship Description
The PhD project is part of the Oceanic Collective Intelligence initiative, funded by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung Nexus Programme. The successful candidate will develop computational approaches to analyze, integrate, and interpret complex datasets related to oceanic predator and prey behavior. This includes utilizing bio-logging devices for predator behavior, echosounders for prey resource landscapes, and long-term seafloor hydrophones for social information. The student will have access to existing datasets and opportunities to collect additional data in the California Current Ecosystem. The research will focus on understanding how oceanic predators use social information for foraging under pelagic ocean constraints. The student will join the supportive, international, and interdisciplinary Collective Ecology Group, benefiting from strong academic and career mentorship, coursework, conferences, and growth opportunities as a computational and field biologist. The position also includes membership in the International Max Planck Research School for Quantitative Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (IMPRS-QBEE).
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the Online Portal by the deadline. The application must include the following materials:
- Letter of Motivation / Research Statement (2 pages):
- Page 1: Describe your main research interests, their development, and their relation to the proposed project.
- Page 2: Propose 1-2 biological questions/hypotheses using the described datasets, explain analytical approaches, and include a mock figure (hand-drawn) with a brief interpretation of potential findings. (Note: This is to demonstrate ideas, not a final proposal).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Contact Information for 2-3 References
- Academic Transcripts: Unofficial BSc and MSc transcripts are accepted initially; official records will be required upon acceptance.
- Sample of Scientific Writing: (e.g., publication, manuscript in prep, thesis, term paper).
Questions about the position can be directed to Dr. William Oestreich at woestreich.research@gmail.com.
Last Date for Apply
November 15, 2026
