"PhD Candidates in Data Science (m/f/div) German Primate Center (DPZ) - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research"

The German Primate Center (DPZ) – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research in Göttingen is a world-renowned competence and reference center for research on and with primates. It pursues cutting-edge research on the physiology, behavior, welfare, and genetics of non-human primates. In addition to its laboratories in Goettingen, it manages five field stations in the tropics. The DPZ is one of 96 research and infrastructure facilities of the Leibniz Association.

The DPZ’s Primate Data Science (PRIDAS) platform seeks to fill several positions for

PhD Candidates in Data Science (m/f/div)

The central task of the PRIDAS is developing and providing data science support services, processing and analysis methods, as well as management of highly complex multimodal data. Our research with primates involves a combination of neurophysiological, hormonal, pharmacological and genetic data with the recording of gaze direction, motor skills, as well as decision-making and social behavior. Such data sets allow previously impossible scientific approaches and to pursue categorically new questions.

The PhD students will develop and implement data analysis pipelines, databases, data management, and open science in close cooperation with the research groups at the DPZ and the Göttingen Campus. PhD projects cover a broad range of topics. A structured PhD program will offer many opportunities for the development of scientific and personal skills.

Candidates ideally combine several of the following skills and qualifications:

• A very good M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in biology, physics, computer science, maths, or a similar field
• A strong background in one of the biological disciplines covered by PRIDAS (behavioral biology, data science, neuroscience, physiology, genetics)
• Knowledge of at least one analytical programming language (e.g., Python, R) or a universal programming language (e.g., C#, Java, C++, Rust)
• Knowledge of the use of relational and non-relational databases
• Very good English skills (written and spoken)
• High motivation to collaborate across scientific disciplines

We offer the opportunity to expand one’s skills in an attractive scientific environment with modern IT infrastructure, flexible and family-friendly working hours, and the opportunity to be directly involved in multiple research projects. We adhere to the Leibniz diversity standards and welcome applications from all qualified persons, regardless of their ethnic, cultural, social background, gender, religion, ideology, disability, age, or sexual identity. Registered disabled applicants with equal aptitude and qualifications will be given preferential consideration. We kindly ask you to indicate a disability in your application.

Employment at the DPZ is based on the civil service rules and regulations. The salary scale is in accordance with TV-L, with VBL pension scheme.

Please send your written application, specifying your preferred projects with a CV, motivation letter, and list of references, under the keyword “PRIDAS PhD” via E-Mail to bewerbung@dpz.eu. Applications arriving until January 4th, 2026, are considered for this position.

For more information about the DPZ, please visit http://www.dpz.eu or call 0551 3851-105.

Further information on the Leibniz Association can be found at www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de.