Research Group Leader “the Algorithmic Analysis

(Full-time, salary up to E 14 TV-L)

The University of Konstanz is one of eleven Universities of Excellence in Germany. Since 2007 it has been successful in the German Excellence Initiative and its follow-up programme, the Excellence Strategy.

We are a Cluster of Excellence within the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State Governments. Being a cooperation between the University of Konstanz and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, we use the extensive expertise in the region to create an interdisciplinary environment for the study of collective behaviour that is unique worldwide. The Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour is dedicated to the study of collective behaviour across a variety of species and across different organizational levels. For more information on the Cluster of Excellence, please visit:.

We seek an integrative scientist who can bring a fundamental theoretical contribution to the study of collective behaviour while having a strong connection to the work within our research cluster. Areas of particular interest include foraging behaviour and ecology, collective robotics, collective decision making in humans and non-human animals as well as the evolution of collective behaviours and sensory ecology, neurobiology and cognition. We have developed exceptional research facilities for quantitative behavioural studies in the lab—including at unprecedented scales in our 15mx15mx8m 3D tracking facility, the ‘Imaging Hangar’, as well as in the field. Research topics that provide synergies with ongoing research are particularly welcome.

Your Responsibilities
- Establishing and heading a research junior group with focus on integration of theory and empiric / experimental approaches
- Independent research to investigate foraging interactions and decision-making within collectives
- Setup and conduct experiments in the Imaging Hangar
- Developing methods and exploring technologies for collective behaviour tracking on animals
- Coordinating ethics and animal care requirements with the animal care facility
- Writing high-quality research papers and other peer-reviewed publications
- Supervising PhDs, technical personnel and students

Your Competencies
- Doctoral degree in Neuroscience or other relevant field
- At least five years of postdoctoral experience
- Focus on connection between theory and experimental work
- Strong experience in experimental design, modelling, programming and data analysis
- Experience in working animals and familiarity with ethics approval procedures
- Proficiency in relevant in vivo techniques for functional imaging and tracking of collective behaviour
- Strong written and oral English skills

We Offer
- An interesting and challenging job at the heart of exciting research activities with a unique infrastructure and interdisciplinary research community
- 1,800m3 newly-built, fully automatic 3D tracking lab
- Integration into a diverse and thriving research community
- A family-friendly university and work environment that values and promotes diversity and equal opportunities
- Opportunities for individual training and development
- Classification according to the tariff regulations of TV-L (depending on the personal prerequisites up to pay group E 14 TV-L)

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Iain Couzin,.

Our working language is English and consequently applicants must be fluent in this language; no knowledge of German is required.

The University of Konstanz is committed to ensuring an environment that provides equal opportunities and promotes diversity as well as a good balance between university and family life. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to increase the number of women working in research and teaching. We also support working couples through our dual career programme (). Persons with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply. They will be given preference if appropriately qualified (, +49 7531 88-4016).