The Max-Planck-Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar (MPINB) focuses on basic research in neuroethology. International researchers at the institute study how the collective activity of vast numbers of neurons gives rise to the plethora of animal behaviors. The interdisciplinary research spans from imaging neural circuits at the nanoscale to analyzing neural activity in a freely moving and naturally behaving animal.
The Research Group “Genetics of Behavior” is conducting research on the evolution of behavioural diversity and the genetic, molecular and neuronal changes driving these events. To do this we concentrate on the evolution of predation and kin-recognition behaviors found in the roundworm species Pristionchus pacificus and compare this to the microbial feeding species Caenorhaditis elegans. To support our research we are looking for a
The contract will be initially limited to three years.
Several research projects are available covering areas including identifying the genetic and molecular mechanisms generating nematode predatory and kin-recognition behaviours and determining the influence of developmental plasticity on P. pacificus behavioural adaptations and neuronal connectivity.
MPINB is committed promoting equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation. We are 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.