Hosting MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship

Eco-Ethology of Human and Non-Human primates

Organisation / Company University of Torino Department Life Sciences and Systems Biology Laboratory Eco-Ethology of Human and Non-Human primates Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

University of Turin (Italy) – Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (DBIOS)

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral candidate interested in developing and submitting a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal together, through online meetings and joint planning.

The project will focus on the social behaviour of human and non-human primates, with possible extension to other social mammal models, in a comparative perspective. The research aims to investigate the evolution of empathy-based behaviours — from rapid facial mimicry and social play to triadic interactions and other forms of socio-emotional communication — combining observational, experimental, and network-based approaches.

The study will include a European phase at the University of Turin (DBIOS) and a fieldwork phase in Africa, with possible data collection in the wild in one of several partner countries (e.g. Ethiopia, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, among others).

Our group works on human and non-human primate eco-ethology, with the broader goal of understanding the evolutionary roots of human behaviour. The project idea can be jointly developed and refined, building upon the candidate’s background and the existing datasets and collaborations we can provide.

We welcome candidates with a strong interest in comparative behaviour, affective science, or social evolution, and previous experience in field data collection on primates and/or social mammals, behavioural coding, or statistical/computational analyses. Other than English, knowing French – at least for basic conversation and needs – is not mandatory but may be a plus. We welcome African PhD graduates with a solid cv.

There are two types of post-doctoral fellowships:
European and Global

• Researcher of any nationality.
• Host in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
• Must not have lived/worked in the host country > 12 months in the 36 months before deadline.
• PhD + ≤ 8 years post-PhD research experience.
• Duration 12–36 months.
• Secondments:
  Allowed up to 1/3 of total duration (e.g. 8 months if fellowship = 24 months).
• Optional non-academic placement: up to 6 months at the end (in EU/Associated Country only).

• Allowed during the return phase only.
• Up to 1/3 of the return phase (e.g. 4 months if return = 12 months).
• Optional non-academic placement: up to 6 months in Europe (after return phase).

Resident in Italy – can apply for a Global Fellowship with an outgoing phase in a non-associated Third Country (e.g. Africa) and a return phase in Italy.

Resident in another EU Member State or in a Horizon Europe Associated Country (but not Italy), and without formal activity in Italy for ≥12 months in the last 3 years – can apply for both a European Fellowship hosted in Italy (or another EU/Associated country different from your current one), or a Global Fellowship with an outgoing phase in a Third Country (e.g. Africa) and a return phase in Europe.