Cultural Grooming and Social Bonds in Great Apes

Supervision: Dr. Zoë Goldsborough (MPI-AB)

We are seeking a curiosity-driven, collaborative PhD student to join the Minerva Fast Track Group “Culture and Social Behavior”, led by Dr. Zoë Goldsborough at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (Konstanz). The overall focus of the group is on the feedback between cultural practices and social relationships in non-human primates, combining existing observational data, quantitative modeling, and fieldwork. The position is fully funded for 3.5 years, with a flexible start between January and March 2027.

Apply now via this link. Application deadline is 23. October 2026.
First round of online interviews for long-listed candidates are expected for early November.

Project details

The PhD project will largely focus on a cultural grooming practice, the grooming handclasp, in captive and wild apes. This behavior is one of few known cultural traditions in animals that involves two participants, making it an ideal study system for understanding how culture may affect social interactions. Grooming handclasps are flexible and dynamic exchanges, for which comparatively little is known about their functions and the mechanisms through which individuals coordinate and communicate (see also this paper). This project will combine existing (video) data with behavioral fieldwork to uncover the functions, coordination mechanisms, and social consequences of this rare interactive social custom.
The successful candidate will develop their own project and have a large degree of independence in determining their specific research focus (for example, communication, social learning, cumulative cultural evolution, or other related themes). 

Supervision and research community

The student will join the Minerva Fast Track Group “Culture and Social Behavior” and be integrated within the Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies. The handclasp component of the project will be conducted in collaboration with Prof. Edwin van Leeuwen and Prof. Raphaela Heesen, who will also provide guidance to the student. The successful candidate will have access to regular mentorship in academic and career development, the ability to participate in methods courses and conferences, as well as logistical support and training for fieldwork and quantitative analysis.
The student will also join the International Max Planck Research School for Quantitative Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution from Lab to Field (IMPRS-QBEE), a cooperative doctoral program between the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and the University of Konstanz. The University of Konstanz and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior together form a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment. 

Qualifications 

This call is open to candidates who have completed a Master’s degree (by the start date) in biology, ecology, psychology, evolutionary anthropology, or another relevant field. Desirable experience includes observational data collection and behavioral video coding, skills in statistical data analysis (especially social network analyses), and programming (e.g., in R). More important than specific prior experience is enthusiasm for learning and the demonstrable motivation to conduct independent, collaborative research. The working language of the group is English, and German language skills are not a requirement.

Location 

Konstanz is a small, vibrant university city located on German-Swiss border, set on the shores of Lake Constance (Bodensee). It is easy to get out into the beautiful German and Swiss countryside and the Alps, with frequent connections to nearby cities such as Zurich. The area offers excellent outdoor activities, and a lively international community.

Application process

Applicants should apply via the IMPRS application system by 23 October 2026. Please submit a CV, and the names and contact details (email address and phone number) of two referees, and a maximum 2-page research statement (see below; this is the most important part of the application). 

Research statement instructions

Applicants should include a max. 2-page research statement that addresses the following:

1. Describe your main research interests, how they developed, and how they relate to the proposed research project (approx. 1 page).
2. Describe one or two biological questions or hypotheses you would like to explore regarding the grooming handclasp or other intersections of culture and social behavior. Briefly outline the analytical approach(es) you might use to address them. Please also include a simple mock figure (hand-drawn is fine) illustrating what your results might look like, and how you would interpret these results (approx. 1 page). 

The position is fully funded for 3.5 years (TVöD salary scale E-13, 65%). The Max Planck Society endeavors to employ more severely disabled people. Applications of severely disabled persons are expressly welcome. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
 
Questions regarding this posting can be directed to Zoë Goldsborough (zgoldsborough@ab.mpg.de).