Postdoctoral position (m/f/d) · · Oceanic Collective Intelligence

The Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior at its sites in Constance and Radolfzell offers an international, interdisciplinary, and collaborative environment that opens up unique research opportunities. The goal of our basic research is to develop a quantitative and predictive understanding of the decisions and movements of animals in their natural environment.

The Collective Ecology Group at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior is hiring for the following position, with a flexible start date in 2027. This position is fully funded for 2 years. The workplace will be in Constance, Germany.

Postdoctoral position (m/f/d)full-time “Oceanic Collective Intelligence”

Our group

In the Collective Ecology Group, we explore how physical and biological ecosystem variation shapes animals' individual, social, and collective behaviors. In turn, we explore how animals' social lives shape the ecosystems they inhabit. We interrogate these questions across taxa and ecosystems, but with a particular focus on the biophysical and social conditions of life in Earth’s largest living space: the ocean.

This research requires cooperation among networks of humans and our technologies. We reflect on how our own species' remarkable capacity for collective behavior can enable us to more effectively and equitably understand, steward, and adapt to the changing ecosystems of which we are all a part.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join this collective effort in 2027, focusing in particular on questions concerning social foraging and collective behavior in two oceanic predator-prey systems:

• blue whales and krill; and
• sperm whales and their deep-sea prey.

Project details

This postdoc will work as part of the Oceanic Collective Intelligence project funded by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung Nexus Programme. The research will involve developing computational approaches to analyze, integrate, and interpret diverse, complex datasets which provide insights into the behavior of oceanic predators and prey. First, we use bio-logging devices (archival instrument suites attached to animals) to make detailed observations of predator behavior (3D movement, individual feeding events, acoustic behavior, etc.). Second, we use echosounders (“active” acoustic sensing) to quantify the prey resource landscape (density, abundance, and coarse taxonomic composition of prey aggregations). Finally, we leverage long-term seafloor hydrophone deployments (“passive” acoustic sensing) to quantify the social information available to predators.

The postdoc will have access to existing datasets as well as the opportunity to collect additional data from these platforms in the California Current Ecosystem during the postdoc position. Using these data, the successful candidate will address questions regarding when, why, and how oceanic predators (blue and/or sperm whales) produce and use social information while foraging under the unique constraints and opportunities afforded by life in the pelagic ocean.

Your qualifications

This call is open to candidates who have completed (or will complete before the start date) a PhD in the natural sciences (e.g., ecology and evolutionary biology, oceanography, physics, or another related field). The postdoc will be expected to lead computational (and potentially fieldwork) components of this research; thus, a high degree of independence is crucial. Desired qualifications include:

• A demonstrated record of skills with machine learning, agent-based, and/or animal movement models
• Prior experience with the collection and/or analysis of bio-logging, bioacoustic, and/or oceanographic datasets
• A strong track record of scientific publications commensurate with the career stage
• Skills and enthusiasm for science communication, both for scientific and broader audiences
• An open-minded approach to collaboration and communication, in alignment with the interdisciplinary, international, and cross-institutional nature of this research program

The working language of the institute is English (German language skills are not a requirement).

Our offer

The candidate can start as early as spring or as late as autumn 2027 and will join the Collective Ecology Group within the Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies. Elements of this project will be conducted in collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and Cascadia Research Collective. The successful candidate will join a supportive, international, and interdisciplinary research team, with access to strong academic and career mentorship, the ability to participate in conferences, and opportunities for growth as both a computational and field biologist.

The position is fully funded for 2 years with payment made in accordance with your experience and qualifications and the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD-Bund).

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 about this position should be addressed to Dr. William Oestreich, woestreich.research@gmail.com