(fulltime, E 13 TV-L)
Reference Number 2019/317. The position is available first for two years and can be prolonged after this initial phase. The start date is as soon as possible. In principle, this position can be divided into two half-time positions.
The University of Konstanz is a University of Excellence in Germany: It was successful in all three funding lines of the German Excellence Initiative and is currently successful in both funding lines of its follow-up competition, the Excellence Strategy.
The newly founded Department for the Ecology of Animal Societies led by Prof. Meg Crofoot is a joint institution of the University of Konstanz with the nearby Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and has close ties to the University’s Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour.
The department embraces an explicitly collaborative approach to scientific exploration. Its multi-disciplinary team works together to develop new ways of measuring, analyzing and interpreting the behaviour of socially complex animal species in ecologically and evolutionarily relevant field settings. To understand the causes and consequences of social variation, the department takes comparative approach, analyzing social interactions - from dyad to group to population - within and between species. Our working language is English and consequently applicants must be fluent in this language; no knowledge of German is required.
We are searching for scientifically trained writer with experience communicating to both professional and popular audiences. In addition to collaborating with department researchers and members of scientific working groups to write papers for publication in professional journals, the successful candidate will also contribute to books and articles targeting non-specialist audiences and will author public outreach materials highlighting departmental research.
Your responsibilities
Work with researchers to write articles for scientific journals
Develop and co-author books and articles written for popular audiences
Produce outreach materials highlighting department research
Support students and departmental researchers in developing their writing skills
Your Competencies
Graduate degree (Master or PhD level) in biology, ecology, anthropology, or a related field
Strong written and oral communications skills in English
Experience authoring scientific publications
Experience with science-communication targeting non-specialists
We Offer
A vibrant, interdisciplinary research community
A global hotspot for the integrated study of animal behaviour across a wide range of species and across scales of organisation
Good development opportunities, extensive training and an attractive remuneration package
All applications and supporting materials, including a letter of motivation describing your relevant experience, a PDF of a scientific article you have published, an example of a piece of scientific writing aimed at public audiences, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for two professional references (one of whom is familiar with your ability to work as part of a group) must be submitted in English via our Online Application Portal.
Questions can be directed to Prof. Meg Crofoot via e-mail: mcrofoot@ab.mpg.de.
We look forward to receiving your application until January 31, 2020.
Persons with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply. They will be given preference if appropriately qualified (contact + 49 7531 88–4016). 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.
