The Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence (MPI-BI) is located  in the southwest of Munich, with its two locations in Martinsried and Seewiesen. It is one of more than 80 independent research institutes of the Max Planck Society. With around 500 employees from more than 50 nations, we investigate the fundamentals of "biological intelligence". We aim to understand how, in the course of evolution, animals developed abilities to cope with a constantly changing environment and to find ever new solutions to problems.

As support for an ongoing study on the reproductive biology of a population of northern lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) at a site in Northern Germany, the Department of Ornithology led by Prof. Dr. Bart Kempenaers is looking for a full-time Field assistant (m/f/d).

Work will include

• Catching adult birds on or near nests and at foraging sites using traps or mist nets
• Measuring and banding of adult birds and chicks
• Behavioural observations and resightings of individual birds and pairs
• Nest searching and monitoring
• Setting up and maintenance of scientific equipment
• Data collection, entry, and management

What we are looking for

• Extensive and demonstrable experience in the activities outlined above
• High degree of reliability and organizational talent as well as the ability to work in an international team, strong communication skills, initiative and independence
• Flexibility, motivation, and commitment to working in all types of weather conditions at any time (including some night work, weekends, and holidays)
• Excellent written and spoken English language skills (knowledge of German is not required, but is a plus)
• Possession of a full clean drivers licence, along with experience driving vehicles with manual transmission
• Eligibility to remain in Germany for the duration of the work contract

The position is limited to a period of 4.5 months, from 17th February to 30th June 2025.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society wants to increase the proportion of women in areas in which they are underrepresented. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more disabled people who are thus explicitly encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions, please contact Carol Gilsenan at sekretariat.kempenaers@bi.mpg.de

Your application

Have we aroused your interest? Please apply by November 29th, 2024 with your complete application documents in English in one PDF document via our online application portal.

For more information, visit our homepages at Dept. Ornithology and Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence.    

Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence
Am Klopferspitz 18
82152 Planegg - Martinsried

Eberhard-Gwinner-Strasse
82319 Starnberg - Seewiesen