Esther Carlitz

Esther Carlitz is a postdoctoral researcher in Ecological Endocrinology. She investigates how endocrine states—measured via hormones in hair—reflect the complexity of natural observations in wild mammals. Her research currently focuses on testosterone and androgenization: while high androgenization supports male fitness, it may harm female fitness. She questions this long-standing belief and explores related evolutionary phenomena.

In addition, she works on animal welfare monitoring and conservation, aiming to use hormone measures in hair to track and improve the welfare of captive animals.

Interests

Ecological Endocrinology
Hormones & Hair Analysis
Life History of Wild Mammals
Testosterone & Androgenization
Female vs. Male Fitness
Animal Welfare Monitoring
Conservation Biology

Awards & Distinctions

2024 Graduate Academy TU Dresden, Lab exchange at Columbia University, NY
2023 Maria Reiche Fellowship
2019 DFG funding as Principal Investigator
2013, 2015 A. Schultz Stiftung, Scholarship
2011 DAAD Exchange stipend
2010, 2012, 2014 Jane Goodall Institute, Scholarship & Field work in Uganda

Education

Since 2025 Postdoc in Center Synergy of Systems, TU Dresden
2023–2025 Postdoc in Environmental Monitoring & Endocrinology, TU Dresden
2016–2022 Postdoc in Biopsychology, TU Dresden
2016 Dr. sc. nat. (PhD) in Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich
2009 Diploma in Biology (M.Sc.), University of Leipzig & Senckenberg Museum Görlitz