The aim of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVA) in Leipzig/Germany is to investigate the evolutionary history of humankind with the help of comparative analyses of genes, morphology, cultures, cognitive abilities, languages and social systems of past and present human populations as well as those of primates closely related to human beings. The focus of the new department of Human Origins (Director: Dr. Tracy Kivell) is on early hominin and ape evolution and the reconstruction of behavior in the past using high-resolution imaging, experimental biomechanics and archaeology, and the study of living primates (including humans). The department is currently seeking for qualified applicants for PhD positions on topics related to ape and human evolution (m/f/d).

Who are we looking for? We are looking for internationally trained, enthusiastic applicants with a strong motivation to pursue a Ph.D., be fluent in written and spoken English (which is the working-language of the institute), an excellent academic performance and a completed Master`s degree (including M.Sc. thesis) in biological anthropology, archaeology, ecology and evolution, biology, neurobiology, ethology, or a related topic.

Applicants should have previous experience in the following topics and/or methods who are specifically interested in:

1. Postcranial functional morphology from internal bone structure (i.e. using microCT data). 2. Brain or cranial evolution. 3. Field-based research on wild primate behavior, particularly locomotion, manipulation and/or tool diversity. 4. The origins of tool production: empirical, experimental and/or collections-based approaches to the production of the earliest stone tools.