Lab Manager - Cognitive Origins Lab

 The Cognitive Origins Lab directed by Dr. Stephen Ferrigno at the University of Wisconsin, Madison is now accepting applications for a research specialist/lab manager for primate cognitive research beginning Sept. 2022.

Applications are due by May 25th. 2-year commitment preferred.

https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu/en-us/job/513692/research-specialist

The goal of our lab is to understand the evolutionary and developmental origins of human and non-human cognition. The laboratory tests the cognitive abilities (e.g., number representations, logical reasoning abilities, sequencing/grammar, and metacognition) of rhesus macaques and compares performance with children and adults. We will also be running studies looking at the developmental trajectory of infant and juvenile monkeys as a comparison to human cognitive development. The broad goal of our lab is to understand the evolutionary and developmental origins of human and non-human cognition.

In addition to the administrative and testing duties (computerized and real object cognitive testing with primates, programming cognitive experiments, supervising undergraduate RAs, etc.), the position will include opportunities to develop new studies in collaboration with the PI and the possibility of becoming a co-author on manuscripts submitted for publication.

Required Experience

-Bachelors Degree in Psychology or related field

- Must have experience working with non-human animals in a research or behavioral/cognitive testing setting, preferably with non-human primates.

- Must have a strong interest in cognitive psychology and comparative cognition research.

- Must have fluency with the Windows/Mac OS and Microsoft office (including excel).

- Must have experience with data management, wrangling, and/or analysis

- Must be able to work independently using initiative and good judgment.

- Must have strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

- Must have strong problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills.

Additional desired experience & skills:

- Experience programming in any language is preferred but not absolutely required, although a strong self interest in learning these skills is required.

- Experience documenting procedures, events, or data preferred but not required. Experience video editing is preferred but not required.

- Experience programming in any language is preferred but not absolutely required, although a strong self interest in learning these skills is required.

- Experience with R, Python, Qualtrics, MTurk, and/or JavaScript is preferred but not required.

- Previous experience or skills in navigating bureaucratic, IACUC/IRB, and other formal documentation and permission systems is highly desired.

- Background/experience in statistics (preferably in R or Python).