Overview: The Cognitive Evolution Group, led by Dr. Alexandra Rosati at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, invites applications for up to two postdoctoral research fellows in primate cognition and behavior. Depending on the candidate’s interests and skill set, there are opportunities to work with several nonhuman primate populations including semi-free-ranging macaques at the Cayo Santiago Field Station in Puerto Rico; lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center; and/or with chimpanzees living in African sanctuaries. This work could focus on one or more of the following: (1) the evolution of decision making and cognitive control in lemurs, monkeys, and apes; (2) individual variation in cognition and behavior in apes; or (3) comparative cognitive development in monkeys and apes. The positions will provide a salary of $50,000 per year, and are benefits-eligible. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension for one to two more years, dependent upon performance. See the full job description here.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Oversight of work at field sites; travel to off-campus (domestic and/or international) research sites for up to 6 months of the year is a core aspect of the position
- Planning studies and executing data collection with nonhuman primates, especially including cognitive experiments, but also potentially behavioral observational and/or biosampling data
- Management of large cognitive and behavioral datasets, and overseeing statistical analyses of this data
- Overseeing and working collaborative with a diverse team including graduate students, undergraduates, and staff, including coordination with domestic and international collaborators
- Presenting scientific research at conferences and writing up material for scientific publications
- Designing and implementing educational outreach locally at field research sites
Application procedure and deadlines:
Review of applications will begin Dec 10 on a rolling basis and continue until the position is filled, with a prospective start date between January and May 2022. Any questions about the positions or application process can be addressed to Dr. Alexandra Rosati (rosati@umich.edu). To be considered for the position, applicants should submit their application materials to Dr. Rosati. Please include:
- A cover letter of up to two pages describing research interests and goals; prior research experience; and suitability for the position
- A curriculum vitae
- Copies of up to three representative publications or other written work (such as published conference proceedings or manuscripts in preparation)
- Contact information for two references who can supply letters of recommendation.