The Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior at its sites in Konstanz and Radolfzell offers an international, interdisciplinary, and collaborative environment that opens up unique research opportunities. The goal of our basic research is to develop a quantitative and predictive understanding of the decisions and movements of animals in their natural environment.
The Department of Collective Behavior at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior would like to fill the following position as soon as possible and preferably before October 1, 2026. The workplace will be in Konstanz, Germany.
Background
The Department of Collective Behavior, directed by , is an interdisciplinary research environment that combines experimental and theoretical approaches to uncover the principles of intelligence in nature. The department develops and applies advanced technologies, including virtual reality for animals, automated tracking, visual field reconstruction, biomimetic robotics, and computational and experimental neuroscience. The main study organisms are ants, locusts, and juvenile zebrafish.
The Research Manager will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, organization, documentation, and regulatory compliance in a small zebrafish holding facility, and invertebrate holding. This includes oversight of permits, support with permit applications, communication with authorities, maintenance of documentation systems, budget management, and oversight of purchases related to animal holding and facility operations.
The role also involves coordination between Prof. Couzin, technical assistants, animal caretakers, researchers, facility management, animal welfare officers, and veterinary authorities.
Additional Responsibilities
- Coordinate and/or deliver facility safety briefings, including annual refresher training
- Support import and export processes for animal species
- Advise department members on permits, Nagoya Protocol requirements, and fieldwork preparation
- Support documentation for temporary export of facility equipment
- Coordinate tasks of technicians and animal caretakers
- Support quality management, occupational safety, and infection control
- Serve as a key liaison between researchers and regulatory and veterinary authorities, including at the MPI-AB and University of Konstanz.
- Proficiency in both German and Englisch is essential
- A completed degree in the natural sciences, veterinary medicine, or a related field
- At least four years of relevant professional experience (e.g., through a PhD or work in laboratory animal science)
- Experience with animal facility management, regulatory compliance, documentation, and communication with authorities. Experience with aquatic facilities would be desirable
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
