Postdoctoral position (m/f/d) in One Health surveillance of microbiome transmission at the human-wildlife interface

Max-Planck-Institut für evolutionäre Anthropologie

04103 Leipzig

Bewerbungsfrist: 2026-09-30

The Project and Setting

The Tana River region in Kenya is home to agrarian, pastoralist, and fishing communities as well as a high diversity of wildlife, including several endemic and critically endangered primates.
As part of a collaboration between the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE) and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, we seek a motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate how interactions between humans, livestock, and wildlife influence the sharing and transmission of microbes in this ecosystem.

Generate and analyze metagenomic data from humans, wild primates, livestock, water, and soil to track the rates, directionality, and sources of human-wildlife microbiome transmission.
Annotate candidate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes to understand potential consequences of inter-species microbiome transmission for human and wildlife health.
Collaborate with researchers studying socio-cultural practices in human households to identify patterns that may contribute to microbiome and AMR spread in the Tana River ecosystem.
Lead and contribute to publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Ph.D. completed or expected soon in biology, ecology, genomics, or a related field.
Experience with bioinformatic tools such as R, Python, and/or bash. Experience analyzing high-throughput sequencing data is especially advantageous.
Experience publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Working proficiency in English and a strong motivation for teamwork in an international group.
Strongly desired: Familiarity with the socio-cultural context of the Tana River region or East Africa, and existing networks within local communities or Kenyan research permit-granting agencies.
Proficiency in Swahili or local languages is highly advantageous.

A 2-year research stipend funded through the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation
Additional benefits such as a travel allowance, a mobility allowance, and a subsidy for health and liability insurance, provided the respective eligibility requirements are met
An exciting and rewarding job in a young, scientifically oriented, international team in one of the most renowned research institutions in Leipzig
Access to state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure
Targeted and individual mentoring
A structured training program with a flexible range of courses in addition to research on the project
Excellent quality of life in Leipzig, including extensive green spaces, public transport options, and support from a dedicated International Office

This two-year postdoctoral position is funded by Germany’s Max Planck-Humboldt Research Unit in Africa initiative.
The successful applicant will be based at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI-EVA) in Leipzig, Germany, under the supervision of Dr. Reena Debray and Prof. Jenny Tung.
Travel to support collaboration with the Max Planck-Humboldt Group in Kenya, and/or local or international scientific conferences are a possibility during this period.
We welcome candidates committed to establishing long-term research presence in Kenya and continuing collaboration with the KIPRE-based group beyond the initial funding period, subject to funds.

Please upload your complete application documents, including cover letter, CV and relevant references, to our application tool via the link below.
The application deadline is September 30, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact us at primevo_sec@eva.mpg.de.

Commitment to Diversity text from the posting is included in the advertisement.
Further information on the research agenda of the MPI-EVA is available at www.eva.mpg.de.
Application URL: https://www.eva.mpg.de/german/karriere