Postdoctoral position in modelling and analysis of foraging behavioural and physiological data

(full-time, salary up to E 13 TV-L)

Reference no.: 2025/095. The expected starting date is 01.10.2025. The position is for two years and can be extended to a third year upon satisfactory performance. In principle, this position can be divided into two part-time positions.

The University of Konstanz is one of eleven Universities of Excellence in Germany. Since 2007 it has been successful in the German Excellence Initiative and its follow-up programme, the Excellence Strategy.

We are a Cluster of Excellence within the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State Governments. Being a cooperation between the University of Konstanz and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, we use the extensive expertise in the region to create an interdisciplinary environment for the study of collective behavior that is unique worldwide. "The Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behavior" is dedicated to the study of collective behavior across a variety of species and across different organizational levels. For more information on the Cluster of Excellence, please visit: Collective Behaviour exc.uni-konstanz.de .

We are seeking a PostDoc with a quantitative background who has finished (or about to finish) a doctoral degree in a quantitative field preferably but not limited to physics or engineering. The candidate should show enthusiasm for analysing large scale data sets that include but not limited to: behavioural, neural and physiological data. Experience with machine learning techniques and animal tracking software programs is preferred but not required.

The researcher will be based in the integrative biophysics group at the University of Konstanz and Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, located in Konstanz, Germany. The Postdoc will be working as part of a recently funded Human Sciences Frontiers Program (HSFP) research grant --Neurometabolic mechanisms underlying social foraging- in collaboration with the experimental groups of Robert Froemke (New York University) and Jee Hyun Choi (Korean Institute of Science and Technology). The project aims to understand neuro-metabolic mechanisms underlying social foraging. The PostDoc will have the opportunity to travel to the collaborators in New York and Seoul.

The Integrative Biophysics group at the CASCB led by Dr. Ahmed El Hady is focused on theoretical and computational understanding of mechanisms underlying foraging.

Your Responsibilities

• Analyze large scale behavioral, neural and physiological data collected by experimental collaborators
• Fitting models to behavioral, neural and physiological data
• Presenting results at local and international conference
• Writing research papers and other publications

Your Competencies

• Graduate degree (PhD level) in a quantitative field (preferably physics but computer science, applied mathematics, engineering are also considered)
• Strong analytical and programming skills
• Relevant experience with machine learning techniques
• Very good communication skills and the ability for teamwork
• Strong written and oral communications skills in English

We Offer

• An interesting and challenging job at the heart of exciting research activities with a unique infrastructure and interdisciplinary research community
• Professional infrastructure and support for conducting research
• Ability to work with world-leading scientists on a new and exciting research field
• High flexibility and independence in organizing your own tasks
• A family-friendly university and work environment that values and promotes diversity and equal opportunities
• Opportunities for individual training and development
• Payment in accordance with the TV-L pay scale (up to TV-L E 13)

Please include the following documents:

1. Cover letter / research statement (1 - 3 pages) addressing the following prompts:

- Describe your main scientific interests, how they developed, and how they relate to the proposed research project. Explain what scientific questions most motivate you and why. (1 page)

- Describe in depth your experience with data analysis and the specific techniques you master (1-2 pages)

2. Curriculum vitae (CV)

After the candidate is short listed, they will be sent an example data set to analyze, they will present the results of their analysis along with presenting their research work as part of an in-person interview.

For more information on the project, please contact Dr. Ahmed El Hady via e-mail: ahmed.el-hady @uni-konstanz.de . This position is available until filled. For full consideration, please submit your application by 15th June 2025 via our Online Application Portal .

The University of Konstanz is committed to ensuring an environment that provides equal opportunities and promotes diversity, as well as a good balance between university and family life. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to increase the number of women working in research and teaching. We also support working couples through our dual career programme . Persons with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply. They will be given preference if appropriately qualified (contact sbv @uni-konstanz.de , + 49 7531 88-4016).