The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) in Berlin is Germany’s premier wildlife research institute, one of seven research institutes in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V., a member of the Leibniz Association and jointly funded by the German federal and state governments. The IZW focuses on the life histories and mechanisms of evolutionary adaptations of mammals and birds, their limits and their conservation in natural and anthropogenically influenced environments. The institute operates within the fields of evolutionary ecology, ecological dynamics, evolutionary genetics, wildlife diseases, reproduction biology and reproduction management.
In its Department of Ecological Dynamics, the IZW offers a part-time paid student assistant position, starting July, 1st 2023 on the topic:
Machine Learning to infer interactions among moving individuals
The data on moving individuals is collected at increasingly high temporal and spatial resolution. Such technical advances allow tracking several moving individuals simultaneously, which also allows assessing fine-sclae interactions among moving individuals. In this project we use machine learning methods to develop a new method that would allow infering interactions among simultaneously moving individuals. This method will allow to assess interactions that could change over time. The method will be tested extensively on simulated data and finally applied to the field data on moving raccoons and bats.
Requirements:
- Enrollment at a German university (Bachelor/Master) in biology or comparable course of study; Students enrolled in programs focusing on computer sciences, information systems and programming (or similar) with personal interest in biology are encouraged to apply.
- Previous experience with R or/ and python;
- High motivation, flexibility and ability to work in a team;
- Good English language skills, both written and spoken;
- Previous experience with machine learning methods (particularly with artificial neural network or deep learning) or agent-based simulations is advantageous.
Workload comprises a maximum of 19 hours per week, the actual amount of hours can be negotiated. The position will start on 1st July 2023 (or as soon as it is filled) and will last for 5 months.
The work will be supervised by Mr Thibault Fronville and Dr. Viktoriia Radchuk. For enquiries or further questions please contact Dr. Viktoriia Radchuk ( radchuk@izw-berlin.de ).
As part of the Leibniz Association, the Leibniz-IZW is an equal opportunity employer, determined to increase the proportion of women in successful scientific careers, and particularly encourages women to apply. We welcome applications regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation and religion.
Disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability. We promote diversity, so please convince us with your quality and competence. The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research is "Total-E-Quality" certified, promotes equality and actively supports a work-life balance.
Please upload complete application documents including a letter of motivation, CV, proof of university enrolment and contact details (email address and telephone) of a person who can provide a reference. Submit your application as soon as possible via the Leibniz-IZW’s online-job-market (button “Apply online”).
We look forward to your application!
