The
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVA) in Leipzig/Germany 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 highly organized
Research Group and Field Site Operations Coordinator (f/m/d)
to support the PI in coordinating the activities of the research group and the logistics, finances, and reporting associated with our long‑term field sites.Your tasks:
- Coordinating research group operations, including meetings, communication, and onboarding of new members.
- Managing project logistics, finances, and procurement for fieldwork in West Africa (Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Guinea), including travel, permits, equipment, and budget tracking.
- Acting as the primary liaison between the research group and field site management, including regular site visits and troubleshooting.
- Supporting data and information management, including standardization of protocols and secure data handling.
- Ensuring compliance with institutional, national, and international regulations, including research permits and funding requirements.
Your profile:
- Bachelor’s degree in zoology, primatology, animal science, or related.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating operations at ape field sites in Africa, especially Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and Guinea.
- Professional fluency in French and English, both spoken and written.
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including working with local staff, authorities, and international researchers.
- Comfort with standard office and collaboration tools (email, spreadsheets, shared drives, video conferencing).
- Willingness and ability to undertake regular/occasional travel to field sites in West Africa.
- Experience preparing or contributing to reports for governmental authorities, protected area management, or permitting bodies in West Africa.
- Experience overseeing or tracking field‑site budgets and expenditures.
- Familiarity with data organization and management for long‑term behavioral or ecological datasets.
- Previous long‑term, on‑site experience living and working at remote ape field sites.
Our offer:
- A position at one of the world’s most renowned research institutions.
- Remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD Bund).
- A diverse, challenging, and responsible role within a scientifically motivated and collaborative environment.
- Flexible working hours and a modern home-office model.
- 30 days of annual leave (for a 39-hour workweek), plus additional paid days 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 (CV, cover letter, and contact information for [2-3] referees) to the below link by 08 June 2026.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Max Planck Society and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology are committed to employing people with disabilities and actively encourage applications from this group.
We also strive to increase diversity in areas where representation is currently low and therefore particularly encourage women and members of underrepresented groups to apply.
The Max Planck Society is committed to equal opportunities and to employing individuals with disabilities and explicitly encourages them to apply.
We look forward to receiving your completed online application under http://www.eva.mpg.de/positions-available.html.
