PhD Student Position @ MPI

Minerva Research Group
Department of Developmental and Comparative Psychology
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Leipzig, Germany
Start date: October 2011

A PhD stipend is available in the Minerva research group of the Department of Developmental and Comparative Psychology at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, beginning in Fall, 2011. The successful candidate will work with Malinda Carpenter and Harriet Over conducting studies investigating young children’s connections with their social groups. We are currently investigating such topics as children’s identification and affiliation with their in-group members, children’s differential treatment of in- vs. out- group members, and children’s use of imitation in order to learn from and affiliate with others. In most of our work, we test young children (from 1-5 years of age) using active, behavioral measures such as imitation, helping, and communication but there will also be the opportunity to conduct studies using the research group’s eye-tracker. More information< about our research can be found online at http://www.eva.mpg.de/psycho/staff/carpenter.

The Minerva research group is contained within the lab of Michael Tomasello (see http://www.eva.mpg.de/psycho/index.php), and the successful candidate will also participate in the lab meetings and other activities of this lab.

Candidates will be expected to have (or soon obtain) a good degree in psychology or a closely related discipline. Candidates with experience with eye-tracking research are particularly welcome to apply. Preference will be given to applicants with excellent German and English language skills.

To apply, please send a vita, a statement of research interests (in English), and the names and email addresses of at least two potential referees to Malinda Carpenter at carpenter@eva.mpg.de. Informal inquiries regarding the position can be directed to Malinda Carpenter (carpenter@eva.mpg.de) or Harriet Over (harriet_over@eva.mpg.de).

The deadline for applications is June 1st.