Research Specialist for the Non‑Invasive Primate Cognitive Research Lab at the University of Wisconsin‑Madison

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April 2

The Cognitive Origins Lab headed by Dr. Stephen Ferrigno at the University of Wisconsin, Madison is now accepting applications for a research specialist/lab coordinator working for non-invasive primate cognitive research. 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.

Responsibilities:

Develops, designs, and conducts one or more research projects and organizes daily operation of projects and specialized research areas to ensure work meets established objectives under moderate supervision.

60% Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
10% Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
5% Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
10% Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
15% Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Required
Bachelor's Degree in psychology, animal behavior, or related field

Qualifications:

Requirements:
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 or 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 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).

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $40,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurances and saving accounts; and retirement benefits.

Additional Information:

Employee must be able to consistently lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds, sometimes at shoulder level; must be able to stand, stoop, reach, bend, etc.

Applicant must be comfortable working with nonhuman primates, biological materials, and chemicals in a biomedical research setting, and with wearing various required personal protective equipment (PPE).

The applicant will be introduced to the standard procedures used for animal care and handling at the Harlow Center for Biological Psychology and will be required to obtain UW animal care and handling certification from Research Animal Resources and Compliance. Additional relevant training may be required as needed.

-BL2+ will be acquired upon hire.

-Must be TB negative.

-Applicant will be required to have a measles titer within the first week of employment. Depending on the results of the blood test, applicant may need to be immunized.

-Allergies to animals must be controlled by medication.

The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please follow this link: https://jobs.wisc.edu/jobs/research-specialist-madison-wisconsin-united-states-a30a1a06-df62-4ed6-8b5e-b060e8d7e931

For questions on the position, contact: Dr. Stephen Ferrigno at sferrigno@wisc.edu.

To apply for this position you will need to upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for at least three professional references, including your current supervisor. References will not be contacted without advance notice.

Your cover letter should address your qualifications as the pertain to the qualifications listed above.