German Primate Center – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research (DPZ), Göttingen

The Cognitive Ethology Lab at the German Primate Center (DPZ) – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research is seeking a motivated

Research Manager

to oversee the scientific coordination of our long-term field site, the Centre de Recherche de Primatologie (CRP) Simenti, located in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal.

Since 2007, the CRP Simenti (https://www.dpz.eu/en/cognitive-ethology/field-station) has been home to our research on wild Guinea baboons, where we study several groups as part of a community of more than 400 individuals. Our work combines behavioral observations, ranging and movement ecology, population genetics, acoustic analyses, and phenological monitoring to understand the ecological and evolutionary pressures shaping primate social behavior.

What we offer:

• A full-time contract position with benefits.
• Coverage of travel costs, medical insurance, necessary vaccinations, and malaria prophylaxis.
• Accommodation at our well-equipped field site in Senegal.
• The opportunity to contribute to the long-term management and scientific success of our long-term study of the fascinating Guinea baboons.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment with international researchers, local institutions, and West African students and partners.

Your main responsibilities:

• Scientific coordination and data management: oversight of behavioral and demographic data collection, quarterly collation and quality checks, training of new staff in protocols, and contribution to ongoing data analyses in collaboration with the research team.
• Research support: participation in fieldwork, maintenance and deployment of camera traps and audio moths, sample management and export, and support for additional scientific projects.
• Technical operations: maintenance of electronic and technical equipment.
• Administration and finances: preparation of financial reports for DPZ and budget oversight.
• Networking and representation: representing CRP Simenti in meetings with local institutions and stakeholders in Dakar, supporting training of West African students, and maintaining scientific collaborations.

Your profile:

• University degree in biology, anthropology, or a related field.
• Solid field research experience, ideally with primates or other social mammals.
• Excellent organizational skills and experience with data management.
• Technical competence with data collection tools.
• Strong intercultural communication skills.
• Reliability, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit.
• Physical fitness and willingness to live in a remote field site.
• Fluency in English and French.
• Clean driver’s license.
• Commitment for at least two years, ideally longer

Application process:

Please send your application (motivation letter + CV + contact details of two referees) to

bewerbung(at)dpz.eu under the keyword "Research Manager Senegal”. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

For more information about our field site and research, please visit: