Max Planck Research Group Leader (W2) in Neuroethology (m/f/div)

The Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behaviour – caesar (MPINB) is a neuroethology institute located in Bonn that studies how the collective activity of the vast numbers of interconnected neurons in the brain gives rise to the plethora of animal behaviours. Our research spans a large range of scales from the nano-scale imaging of brain circuitry, to large-scale functional imaging of brain circuitry during behaviour, to the quantification of natural animal behaviours.

We invite applications for a

Max Planck Research Group Leader (W2) in Neuroethology (m/f/div)

limited contract

MPINB seeks to appoint a new Max Planck Research Group Leader with a focus on neuroethology. The successful candidate is a creative investigator with an innovative research program aimed at understanding how the brain controls animal behavior while also developing and employing technologies that break new ground in the interrogation of neural circuits. He/She is expected to establish an internationally recognized independent research program and is encouraged to collaborate with other groups and departments at MPINB, the neighboring University of Bonn and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE).

Your profile

Applicants should hold an advanced degree and have significant postdoctoral experience.

Applications need to include

• a cover letter explaining why you would like to join our institute
• your Curriculum Vitae, including your publication list
• a statement of scientific achievements and a list of 3 potential referees
• a two-page summary of your future research plans
• up to three of your most important papers

What we offer

• The position is a Max Planck Research Group Leader (MPRGL), equivalent to an Assistant Professor (W2). The initial appointment of the group leader is for 6 years with the possibility of extension (3 years) after international review. For more general information, please see also: .
• The start date is negotiable and the position provides a generous startup package, yearly personnel and running costs, well-equipped laboratory space, as well as access to core facilities.
• At MPINB you will find a cutting-edge research environment, a pleasant, family-friendly working atmosphere and a multidisciplinary, international team

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. In principle, the advertised position may be filled on a part-time basis, unless there are compelling operational reasons against it.

The application should be sent via our online portal by October 27th, 2026. You can easily upload multiple attachments.

Short-listed candidates should be prepared to join a one-day selection symposium, during which they will have the opportunity to present their research, on: 21st January, 2027, in Bonn, Germany.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Evgenia Belyaeva: [email protected]

Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior — caesar
Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2
53175 Bonn