Job Code: CF-06-2025
Job Offer from November 12, 2025The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVA) brings together scientists from diverse backgrounds (natural sciences and humanities) with the aim of investigating the history of humankind from an interdisciplinary perspective using comparative analyses of genes, cultures, cognitive abilities, languages and social systems of past and present human populations, as well as those of primates closely related to humans.
The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVA) brings together scientists from diverse backgrounds to investigate the history of humankind from an interdisciplinary perspective. The Department of Comparative Cultural Psychology at MPI EVA combines developmental, cross-cultural, and comparative psychology approaches to contribute to this agenda by studying human cognition and diversity.We are looking for a
PhD Student (f/m/d)
for a doctoral project in the field of psychology focusing on mental simulation in nonhuman great apes and human children across different cultures. The project employs methods such as behavioural studies, touchscreen experiments and eye tracking. The successful candidate will be funded for three years, with the possibility of extension up to five years. The position is expected to start on March 1st, 2026.
Your project
Human intuitive physics has been argued to be underpinned by mental simulations of certain aspects of the physical environment. Mental simulation can be defined as using internal representations of the world to experience potential future versions of events. Humans use simulations not only to predict outcomes, but also to evaluate counterfactual outcomes in hindsight. Indeed, counterfactual simulation, that is, simulating what could have happened, has been argued to be a key process in human causal cognition. Little is known about whether other animals engage in similar mental simulations involving physical models and counterfactual outcomes. In this PhD project, we will study predictive and counterfactual simulations, as well as the flexibility embedded within the internal physical models that may underlie these simulations in human children and non-human great apes.Data collection will take place mainly at the Wolfgang Köhler Primate Research Centre at Leipzig Zoo, Germany. The research centre has a history of more than 20 years of conducting strictly non-invasive and voluntary studies of great ape behaviour and cognition, with great ape study participants who are experienced in participating in touch screen and eye tracking studies.
In addition, we will collect data with children in our child-study centre in Leipzig and within our international child study network. Our approach will adhere to open science principles, including preregistered study designs supported by power analysis.
You will be hosted in the Department of Comparative Cultural Psychology at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, advised by Daniel Haun (Director) Christoph Völter (Group Leader) and Matthias Allritz (post-doctoral scientist).
What we expect:
- Excellent Master’s degree in Psychology, Biology, Cognitive Science or a related subject
- Experience in designing and conducting scientific experiments
- Excellent statistical knowledge and skills in data analysis using R
- Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken
- Programming skills (e.g., PsychoPy, E-Prime, OpenSesame, MATLAB, JavaScript)
- Experience with conducting behavioral research, especially with nonhuman primates, and
- Experience with touchscreen experiments or eye tracking are desirable.
What we offer:
- An inspiring, international, and interdisciplinary research environment, working alongside leading domain experts in the field of comparative, cross-cultural and developmental cognition.
- The opportunity to work with cutting-edge resources and receive the support needed to carry out impactful research
- Max Planck Doctoral funding for a minimum of three years, with the possibility of extension for up to five years. The salary will be based on the German "Tarifvertrag für den Öffentlichen Dienst" (TVöD), 65% The chance to contribute to transformative research exploring great ape and human cognition.
Applications
Candidates of all nationalities are invited to apply. The Max Planck Society and the Department of Comparative Cultural Psychology are committed to equal opportunities and encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and those typically underrepresented in science fields, such as women and minorities.Please submit your complete applications via the link below until January 11th, 2026.
Preferred start date is March/April 2026, but a later start date might be possible.
Applications should include:
- A Cover Letter detailing your motivation for the research topic, relevant experience, and expectations for the position (max. 2 pages)
- A Curriculum Vitae including copies of relevant university degree certificates
- Contact details for two references (incl. email)
- A Writing Sample (e.g., thesis or first-author publication), including a short statement on whether and to what extent AI tools were used in drafting the sample
We look forward to receiving your completed online application.