The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVA) in Leipzig investigates the history of humankind through comparative analyses of genes, cultures, cognitive abilities, languages, and social systems of past and present human populations, as well as closely related primate species. The integration of these research areas leads to new insights into the history, diversity, and capabilities of the human species.
The MPI EVA currently brings together approximately 450 staff members and around 250 visiting researchers from diverse countries across seven scientific departments, all of which pursue interdisciplinary research on human evolution.
The „Cooperative Cultures” Research Group of Dr. Liran Samuni is seeking
a Data Manager (f/m/d) as soon as possible (part-time with 19,5h/week)
Your responsibilities:
- Camera trap video management: Organize, catalog, and maintain the complete camera trap video library, including consistent file naming, metadata, directory structures, and robust backup and traceability procedures.
- Field data and sample list management: Organize, clean, and maintain all incoming field datasets (behavioral, GPS, phenology, samples, and camera maintenance), ensuring clear and consistent links between samples, individuals, locations, and time.
- Data cleaning and quality control: Conduct systematic data cleaning and quality checks across observers and datasets, documenting and resolving data issues in close collaboration with field teams and project management.
- Data documentation, backup and version control: Develop, maintain, and regularly update comprehensive data documentation (data dictionaries, codebooks, metadata, SOPs) and contribute to standardized data structures and conventions across the project. Contribute to secure data storage, regular backup routines, and version control procedures.
- Preparation of analysis-ready datasets: Prepare well-documented, analysis-ready datasets and implement procedures for transparent versioning and change tracking. May include basic descriptive analyses and produce simple summaries and visualizations that support project reporting, presentations, and scientific work.
Your profile:
- Completed university degree (e.g., Bachelor’s or Master’s) in a relevant field such as biology, ecology, environmental science, geography, statistics, data science, or a related discipline.
- Strong skills in data organization and cleaning, including experience with tools such as R, Python, or similar programming languages.
- Experience handling camera‑trap data, and familiarity with camera‑trap data management tools or workflows (e.g., bulk renaming, metadata handling, annotation/labeling platforms).
- Basic to intermediate GIS skills (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) for producing maps and handling spatial data.
- Ability to perform basic descriptive statistics and visualizations (e.g., summary tables, plots, simple dashboards).
- Confident handling of large, heterogeneous datasets and a willingness to learn project-specific tools and workflows.
- Demonstrated experience in managing scientific or research data, ideally within ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or a related field.
- Experience conducting quality control and consistency checks on complex datasets.
- Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and a systematic working style.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively within a part-time (50% FTE) position.
- Good working proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is essential for day-to-day communication and documentation.
Our offer:
- A diverse, scientifically challenging role in a vibrant, international team within a renowned research institution.
- Remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD Bund).
- Flexible working hours and remote options to support work-life balance.
- 30 days of annual leave (for a full-time position of 39 hours per week), plus additional paid days off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
- Company pension scheme (VBL).
- Germany Job Ticket (DJT) to support your mobility.
- A comprehensive continuing education program and an intensive onboarding process.
- A collegial, supportive, and inclusive work culture.
Your application:
Please submit your application to link on Umantis by 12 August 2026.
We look forward to receiving the following documents from you:
- CV
- Letter of application with presentation of relevant professional experience and next possible starting date (max. 2 pages)
- Copies of all relevant certificates and references
The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled people are expressly encouraged.
The Max Planck Society strives for gender equity and diversity.
Furthermore, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.
The Max Planck Society is committed to equal opportunities and to employing individuals with disabilities and explicitly encourages them to apply.
