The growing Freigeist Research Group Pathways to Language, led by Dr. Marlen Fröhlich and funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, is seeking a
Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d, E13 TV-L, 100%)
to study individual differences and plasticity in the communicative behaviour of wild and captive bonobos. The position is fully funded for two years. Research will be conducted in collaboration with the Kokolopori Bonobo Research Project (led by Dr. Martin Surbeck) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and two German zoos (Leipzig and Stuttgart).
Project Summary
Language is arguably the most powerful social tool in the animal kingdom, possibly evolving as an adaptation to the demands of coordinated joint action. This requires flexible adjustments in communication based on social context, interaction partners, and ecological settings. The evolutionary roots of such behavioural plasticity remain unexplored in our closest living relatives, the great apes. Bonobos, known for their tolerant and cooperative interactions with out-group members, provide a unique opportunity to investigate how non-human primates adjust their communication to their social environment. To that end, we will collect comparative observational data from wild and captive bonobos to assess behavioural variation on the individual, research setting and species level. This project will thus consolidate the overarching Freigeist project, which currently researches chimpanzees, orangutans and human children. Together, these findings will contribute to our understanding of the evolution of communicative plasticity and the cognitive underpinnings of human language.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have:
- A PhD (completed within the past four years) in biology, comparative psychology, evolutionary anthropology, or a related field
- Strong organizational skills and experience in collecting and analyzing primate observational and/or experimental data
- Experience in video-based analysis of social and communicative interactions (highly desirable)
- Intermediate proficiency level in French (B1+) required
- Previous fieldwork experience in tropical forests and challenging environments.
- The ability to work independently under physically demanding conditions
- A collaborative mindset with a sensitivity to international and intercultural team dynamics
The position requires on-site fieldwork in remote conditions with limited personal space and restricted communication access.
What We Offer
- A fully funded two-year postdoctoral position at a leading international research university
- A supportive and interdisciplinary research environment, with collaborations across computational linguistics, developmental psychology, and paleoanthropology
- Competitive salary (TV-L E13, 100%), including visa and onboarding support, 30 days of paid vacation per year, flexible working hours and discounted public transportation
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted by March 15th to our administrative assistant Ursula Münster (ursula.muenster(at)uni-tuebingen.de). Please include a CV, a cover letter, and the contact details of two references.
The preferred start date is May 2025. For project-related inquiries, contact Dr. Marlen Fröhlich (marlen.froehlich(at)uni-tuebingen.de).
Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Tübingen wishes to enhance the share of employed women in research and teaching. Individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply and having the same occupational aptitude will be preferred.
The University of Tübingen is committed to equity and diversity and actively promotes equal opportunities. The employment will be handled by the central administration of the University of Tübingen.
Die Ausschreibung ist auch im Internet unter https://uni-tuebingen.de/universitaet/karriere/newsfullview-stellenangebote/article/postdoctoral-researcher-f-m-d-e13-tv-l-100/ abrufbar.