Post-Doc Position Evolutionary Cognition Group

The Evolutionary Cognition Group of the Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, is searching for a postdoctoral researcher to study marmoset vocal communication and behavior.

Posted January 15, 2021

This postdoc will work within the recently launched National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) Evolving Language, which involves nearly 40 different research groups from a large variety of disciplines across Switzerland. Specifically, the candidate will be involved in the NCCR work packages Vocal Accommodation and Joint Action. Our overall goal is to determine the links between vocal accommodation phenomena, joint action coordination, and interdependence. The postdoc will be responsible to implement the most suitable methods of automated recording and classification of vocalizations and behavior of New World monkeys housed at our Primate Station, predominantly common marmosets.

The successful candidate has a strong interest in automated recording and analysis of vocalizations and behavior. The work will be supported by the NCCR’s Transversal Task Forces (TTF) TFF Data Science and TFF Technology, which are staffed with expertsin the respective fields(e.g. machine learning and tiny data loggers for small animals to record heart rates and vocalizations) who can provide hands-on support when needed. Moreover, the candidate will closely collaborate with the Primate Station’s PhD students who will apply these methods to a variety of research questions and integrate them with data from experimental approaches, hormonal and, more recently, thermography measures and marmoset vocalizations from the wild. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are thus essential.

The start of the position is in early spring 2021, or upon agreement. The position will be for one year, with the possibility of extension. Review of applications starts on February 5 and applications are accepted until the position is filled.

Please submit your application in a single pdf to judith.burkart@aim.uzh.ch. Applications should include a cover letter stating your motivation and vision for the position, a CV, a copy of the highest degree obtained, and the names of two referees.