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Details of the postdoctoral positions
Application Round
March 2026
Project title
Biomechanics of human evolutionary behaviours
City
Leipzig
Specific field of research
Evolutionary anthropology
Max Planck Institute
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Broad field of research
Human Sciences Section
Short description of the group/project/topic of research

We are inviting applications from qualified and highly motivated individuals for a three-year Postdoctoral Researcher position in human biomechanics within the Department of Human Origins, MPI-EVA. The successful candidate will undertake innovative projects focused on the experimental biomechanics of evolutionarily-relevant human movements, including varied forms of locomotion and/or tool use, pertinent to interpreting the human fossil and archaeological records. The candidate would work within a broader team exploring ape biomechanics (both within the zoo and in the wild) and/or tool manufacture and use in collaboration with functional morphologists and archaeologists within the department. The Dept. of Human Origins offers a new, state-of-the-art biomechanics lab and a facture mechanics lab in which to conduct this research.

Essential requirements: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Biomechanics, Zoology, Biological Anthropology, Archaeology or a related field. We are searching for applicants that have experience in experimental biomechanics and/or experimental tool manufacture/use with a strong track record of publications.  As a multidisciplinary department that encourages cross-field collaboration, excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability and willingness to collaborate effectively on interdisciplinary projects are essential. 

Desirable skills: Candidates with the following experience will be at a significant advantage. 

  1. Experience using 3D motion capture systems and/or the quantification for force and/or pressure,
  2. The proven ability to design and conduct experiments, including the development of independent, evolutionary-based questions within the project’s framework.
  3. Proficiency in Python, R or a similar coding frameworks and/or computer vision methods. 

We encourage applications from candidates who may not meet all desirable criteria as we are looking for potential and fit, not perfection.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. We particularly welcome applications from individuals typically under-represented within the sciences. 

The position is available from August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

Additional information

The Department of Human Origins (Director: Dr. Tracy L. Kivell) combines new fossil and archaeological discoveries with an interdisciplinary approach to reconstructing how our fossil relatives interacted with their past environments. Our goal is to uncover the emergence and evolution of the human lineage through fieldwork and analysis, studying the fossils of our early relatives and those of African apes. We aim to reconstruct the key behaviours that define humans by integrating high-resolution imaging, quantitative analyses of anatomy, experimental biomechanics and study of living primates (including humans).

Link to PI’s webpage
https://www.eva.mpg.de/human-origins/index/
Requirements
Requirements

Applicants have to upload their 

  • CV (including a publication list)
  • a summary of previous research
  • and a statement of interest
Additional requirements for the application
  • In addition to your CV, summary of previous research should be maximum 2 pages.
  • Statement of interest should be maximum 2 pages.
  • Please provide the names and contact information for at least three referees. We will contact your referees directly should you be short-listed for this position.
  • English language certificate if applicable.
Principal Investigator
Tracy L Kivell - Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Email: tracy_kivell@eva.mpg.de
Contact person
Tracy Kivell
tracy_kivell@eva.mpg.de
+49 (0) 341 3550 350