Location: Eco-anthropology Lab, UMR 7206, Paris (France), with fieldwork in Japan and Indonesia
Duration: 2 years (full-time)
Salary: 2400 euros/month, subject to variation depending on previous experience
Start Date: October 1st, 2025
Application Deadline: May 21st, 2025
ABOUT THE POSITION
A 24-month position for a post-doctoral researcher in behavioral ecology is available at the Museum national d’Histoire naturelle, in the Eco-anthropology lab (https://ecoanthropologie.fr/fr), an interdisciplinary research unit (CNRS/MNHN/Paris Cité University) based at the Musée de l’Homme in Paris. The successful candidate will contribute to the research project “How socio-ecological constraints shape primates’ brain and cognition” (SocEcoPrim), funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR). This project aims at understanding the evolution of cognition and cognitive processes (inhibitory control, working memory, metacognition and value scaling) involved in decision- making, taking into account the dynamics and complexity of the physical environment (e.g., seasons, topography, food availability) and the social environment (e.g., dominance, social networks, context and history of previous social interactions).
The successful candidate will play a central role in data collection, analysis, and publication of research findings. The position includes two fieldwork seasons of six months each, in Indonesia and Japan, working with 2 macaque species. The remainder of the position will be based at UMR 7206 in Paris, where the postdoc will lead data analysis and writing papers, in collaboration with project partners.
Research Project Description
This project aims at understanding the cognitive mechanisms underlying behavioral adjustments to social and ecological challenges encountered by two species of macaques (Macaca nigra and Macaca fuscata) in their natural habitat, i.e. in Indonesia and Japan. We will study foraging and social decisions through a panel of natural behaviors (e.g. habitat movement patterns, intra-group social interventions, intergroup encounters) that are expected to involve the specific cognitive capacities of interest – inhibitory control, working memory, metacognition and value scaling.
This project is part of a cooperation with Sébastien Bouret (UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moëlle Epinière, Paris), Jérome Sallet (U 1208, Lyon) and Sébastien Ballesta (University of Strasbourg). By combining the expertise of these four laboratories – primate behavioral ecology (Garcia), comparative cognition (Bouret), cognitive neuroscience and neuroanatomy (Ballesta and Sallet) – this interdisciplinary project aims at studying primate social and foraging decisions and link them to a set of neuro-cognitive operations.
Key Responsibilities
• Conduct field research on two species of primates, mainly behavioral observations
• Code and analyze behaviors using specialised software (ex. Boris, R)
• Lead and contribute to the writing and submission of scientific publications
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team
• Work in collaboration with master students and research assistants
• Contribute to science communication and dissemination efforts
The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with an interdisciplinary team, including: Cécile GARCIA (PI, Research Director, UMR 7206, Paris), Julie DUBOSCQ (Researcher, UMR 7206, Paris), Bruno SIMMEN (Researcher, UMR 7206, Paris), Sébastien BOURET (Research Director, UMR 7225, Paris)
PROFILE – QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The candidate should hold a PhD in Primatology, Behavioral Ecology, Cognitive Sciences, or a related field.
Essential skills:
• Strong experience in behavioral observations, preferably with primates or other social animals
• Strong field experience (follows of wild animals in natural habitats, intense physical work, relatively isolated living conditions and hot, humid tropical/equatorial environments)
• Ability to work independently in remote field settings, under challenging conditions (physically and mentally)
• Skills in spatial ecology
• Proficiency in statistical analyses (R)
• Fluency in English (spoken and written); knowledge in French is not required, but would be an advantage
Desirable skills:
• Field experience with primates
• Experience with research on cognition
• Good track record of scientific publications
• Interest in comparative cognition
• Interest in interdisciplinary work
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Eco-anthropology Lab, and more specifically the Team « Interactions Primates and Environment » in which the postdoctoral researcher will be involved, are committed to fostering a diverse and supportive research environment.
Given the specific challenges of conducting research in the field, we are dedicated to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all researchers. We will help to deal with logistical, cultural, and personal considerations. We will actively ensure that all team members feel secure and valued throughout the project.
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of ethnic, cultural or social origin, gender, religion, disability, age or sexual identity.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Beginning of the contract: October 2025
Contract: 24-month public-sector CDD (salary according to profile and MNHN grid) Location: Musée de l’Homme (Paris)
• Travels to fieldsites will be covered by the project
• Reimbursement of 75% of public transport costs or sustainable mobility package (bicycle) for
travel in Ile de France region
• Participation in a scientific conference in France or in Europe (registration, transport and accomodation)
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should submit the following documents:
• CV including a list of publications and communications
• Cover letter detailing research interests, experience, and fit for the position
• Contact information for 2 references
Deadline : 21/05/2025
For all inquiries regarding this position, do not hesitate to contact Cécile Garcia (cecile.garcia@mnhn.fr)
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