Fellowships

The Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research (KLI) in Klosterneuburg, Austria, is an international center for advanced studies in the life sciences, with a focus on conceptual, philosophical, historical, and mathematical approaches in evolutionary biology and biomedicine. Embedded in a vibrant research community in the Vienna area, the KLI typically hosts about 20 fellows, visiting scholars, faculty, and students. In addition, the KLI regularly holds renowned events like the Altenberg Workshops in Theoretical Biology and KLI Colloquia directed at the international scientific community as well as organizes outreach events that are open to the general public. Since 2006, the KLI publishes the peer-reviewed journal Biological Theory with Springer. The journal is devoted to theoretical advances in the fields of evolution and cognition with an emphasis on the conceptual integration afforded by evolutionary and developmental approaches.

The KLI is looking for a managing editor for Biological Theory and Communication Officer of the KLI. The successful candidate will have an academic background in biological sciences, philosophy of science, and/or science communication.

 

Your Role as Managing Editor
The Managing Editor position is key to the successful acquisition and development of material for publication in Biological Theory. Main tasks include copyediting of accepted manuscripts, working with authors during the editing process, read proofs and check corrected proofs, and supporting the Editor-in-Chief to ensure published articles meet academic journal standards and norms and appear in a timely fashion.

 

Specific Responsibilities as Managing Editor

 

  • Track accepted manuscripts through production stages, to maintain timeliness and track availability for quarterly issues. Prepare table of contents as determined by editor-in-chief for each issue.
  • Manage and track production tasks for special issues; assist guest editors with production tasks as needed.
  • Assist editors, authors, and reviewers as needed with using Editorial Manager software.
  • Interface between authors/editors and Springer Nature/production staff as needed.
  • Assist with journal publicity: write news items and other items for journal publisher/owner webpages; assist with other projects as needed.
  • Manage special production tasks, including annual cover change and reviewer thanks pages, and others as needed, including obtaining permissions.
  • Manage journal webpage, providing updates and supervising changes/corrections.
  • Supervise and assist with functionality of Editorial Manager software.

 

Specific Responsibilities as Communication Officer

  • Writing and editing content such as website posts, newsletters, and social media updates.
  • Co-managing the institute’s website content and social media channels to showcase research findings and institute activities.
  • Collaborating with researchers to translate research findings into clear, engaging, and accurate stories.
  • Supporting internal communication.

 

Skills

  • A background in biological sciences (BSc, MSc, or PhD) and/or science communication.
  • Excellent written English, i.e., able to copyedit and proofread academic English; German skills are a plus.
  • Knowledge of academic journal standards and norms, or willingness to learn.
  • Knowledge of academic publishing procedures, or willingness to learn.
  • Basic understanding of copyright law requirements and permissions for academic publications, or willingness to learn.
  • Writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt content for different audiences.
  • Experience in digital communication, including website management and social media strategy.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with researchers.
  • Previous experience in science communication, journalism, or public outreach.
  • Organized. Self-initiator. Detail oriented. Diplomatic.

 

Candidates are offered an open-ended contract of 20-30 hours/week. Presence at the institute is requested. You will have a workspace in an inspiring and interdisciplinary working environment in a beautiful historical setting near Vienna, a city with very high living quality. The yearly gross salary (before tax and social insurance) is at least € 55,000 (based on 40 hours/week), depending on the candidate’s experience. The starting date is as soon as possible, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For consideration, please submit your application to recruiting@kli.ac.at. Applications must include a cover letter and resume.

 

 

 

 

Call for a KLI postdoc fellowship on “Urban Evolution”

The Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research (KLI) in Klosterneuburg, Austria, is an international center for advanced studies in the life sciences, with a focus on conceptual, philosophical, historical, and mathematical approaches in evolutionary biology and biomedicine. Embedded in a vibrant research community in the Vienna area, the KLI typically hosts about 20-25 fellows, visiting scholars, faculty, and students. 

The KLI offers a postdoc fellowship in a research project on "urban form evolution,” led by Prof. Sergio Porta at University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, and Prof. Philipp Mitteroecker at Univ. of Vienna. The project is a collective effort supported by an international network of scientists also including Prof. Monika Kuffer at Univ. of Twente; Prof. Licia Capra and Prof. Stephen Marshall at University College London; Dr. Martin Fleischmann at Charles Univ. in Prague, and Prof. Wowo Ding at Nanjing University. This highly interdisciplinary project aims to understand the formation and transformation of urban morphology structures by applying concepts and models from organismal and cultural evolution. This includes the morphometric analysis of urban form and the modelling of “phylogenic relationships” between urban form taxa. 

The successful candidate will show a good combination of all essential and one or more desirable skills. Essential skills are required in the domain of evolutionary and morphometric modelling, and at least basic programming skills. Desirable skills are appreciated in the domains of geo-spatial analysis, evolutionary theory, cultural evolution, and the philosophy of biology. 

For application, please send a letter of motivation with a summary of research experience and interests, an academic curriculum vitae, and a list of publications to recruiting@kli.ac.at until February 28.

Details of the fellowships

Duration: two years, with a possible extension for a third year

Starting date: 2025

Eligibility criteria: Applicants must hold a PhD degree in a field relevant to the project.

Stipend: The monthly gross stipend is EUR 3,850.- or EUR 4,200.- (for 8 or more years of postdoc experience) before tax and social insurance.

Relocation Allowance: The KLI will cover travel costs for the move to Vienna or Klosterneuburg. The KLI will provide accommodation in the vicinity of the institute for the first two weeks of the fellowship.

Benefits of working at the KLI: The successful applicant will work in a highly interdisciplinary environment and have a desk in the beautiful facilities of the KLI. The KLI supports resident fellows with travel allowance that can be used for trips related to the project as well as a library allowance to purchase books related to the project. All fellows are invited to participate in the activities of the KLI, such as the KLI Colloquia and the KLI Lab.